CONTENTS Important Notice – Treasurer...... 2 Taraxacum subericinum new to the Editorial...... 3 British Isles Diary...... 4 ...... T.C.G. Rich & A.J. Richards 45 Notes...... 5-59 Co. Dublin comfrey renamed after 32 Rediscovery of Scleranthus annuus years – a new county record ssp. annuus in v.c.59...... P.H. Smith 4 ...... P. Green 46 Trifolium incarnatum ssp. molinerii Requests...... 46-46 in v.c.3 – five years on...... P. Reay 7 Juncus compressus – BSBI Threatened Common names applied to Typha Plants Project...... M. Wilcox 46 latifolia...... P.C. Horn 11 Cyperaceae Handbook amendments Uncertainties over the future of Aesculus: offered and taxa wanted..M. Wilcox 47 pests and diseases...... J.E. Oliver 13 A request for giant hogweed seeds Native population of Brachypodium ...... J. Armitage 47 pinnatum in (v.c.94), re-found after BSBI News 104 & 111 wanted 144 years...... A. Amphett 16 ...... G. Ellis 47 What is biodiversity?...... J. Presland 18 Offers...... 48-49 Diphasiastrum in Strath Nethy (v.c.96) Long Watsonia run available.A. Outen 48 ...... M. Gurney & A. Amphlett 19 Wiltshire Botany articles free Some impacts of the Tees Barrage on ...... J. Presland 48 the local flora of Teesside Flora of Hertfordshire update ...... D.W. Shimwell 21 available...... T.J. James 48 Possible over-recording in the New atlas Book Notes...... J. Edmondson 49 revealed by Norfolk Flora Group Obituary Notes...... M. Briggs 49 recording 2000-2009...... R. Leaney 23 Memories of Ann Conolly British trees associated with Cephal- ...... K. Thompson 50 anthera longifolia...... R. Hedley 32 Recorders and Recording...... 51 Fumaria purpurea – the Orkney Panel of Referees and Specialists experience...E. Meek & J. Crossley 34 ...... M.C. Sheahan 51 Ophrys apifera var. fulvofusca in Panel of Vice-county Recorders Britain ...... L. Lewis & L. Edwards 35 ...... D. Pearman 51 Trichophorum cespitosum: calciphile Notes from the Officers...... 52-53 or calcifuge?...... J. Roberts 37 Hon. General Secretary...... L. Farrell 52 High-level botanising in Scotland Scottish Officer...... J. McIntosh 53 ...... D. Pearmans & J. McIntosh 39 Solution to Botanical Crossword 15 Salicornia ‘sorts’ 1: type specimens, & Crib...... 53 voucher specimens, and Drawings of wildflower seedlings photographs...... D.J. Hambler 40 Hesperis matronalis...... del. S. Evans 54 Botanical Crossword 15...... Cruciata 43 Stop Press...... 55 Aliens...... 44-46 George Steele, 1st Recipient of The problem of invasive alien plant George Band Award...... 55 species...... A. Jarvis 44 Deadline for contribution to News 118. 55 Cover picture – Trifolium incarnatum ssp. molinerii, Devon, May. A typical flower- ing clump adjacent to Armeria maritima. Photo L.R. Austin © 2007 (see p. 7) 2 Important Notice – Treasurer / Editorial

IMPORTANT NOTICE LYNNE FARRELL, Hon. Gen. Sec., 41 High Street, Hemingford Grey, Cambs., PE28 9BJ; (Tel.: 01480 462728; [email protected]) Treasurer hoc book-keeping support provided to the The Society wishes to appoint a new Honorary Treasurer into a part-time administrative post, Treasurer, to replace Terry Swainbank. Please supporting both the Treasurer and other Offic- see the enclosed flyer for details. We antici- ers, and will be advertising shortly for that too. pate that we will also formalise the existing ad EDITORIAL TREVOR JAMES (Receiving Editor), 56 Back Street, Ashwell, Baldock, Herts., SG7 5PE (Tel.: 01462 742684; [email protected]) GWYNN ELLIS (General Editor), 41 Marlborough Road, Roath, Cardiff, CF23 5BU (Tel.: 02920 496042; [email protected])

Goodbye to our current President Michael general approval but the editors would be Braithwaite who stands down at the AGM in pleased to have comments from members. June and welcome to his successor Ian Boner. There are two corrections which need to be I think we all owe an enormous debt of made. In Ann Connolly’s obituary the Red- gratitude to Michael, not only for his three necked Shrike mentioned on page 83 should year presidency but also for his eleven year have been the Red-backed Shrike; and the stint as Treasurer. During the last 14 years he ISSN on the back cover should have read – has ably guided us through all the complexi- ISSN 2046-2727. ties of a changing world, especially with Please note that our Head of Research and regard to our ever increasing members of staff, Development Kevin Walker’s phone number both full- and part-time, and our financial has changed and is now 01423 790139 ext. situation is as good now, if not better, than it 1799 (Mon-Weds); 01904 328805 (Thurs-Fri). has ever been. Thanks to Vic Johnstone who points out that The photograph on the back cover commem- the name Ophrys apifera var. atrofuscus orates his last Council meeting as President. (BSBI News 116: 35) should probably be I know I (GE) have benefited enormously atrofusca ‘so as to agree in gender with from his advice and encouragement over the Ophrys which is feminine’. See also the paper years – thank you Michael. on page 35 of this issue We also say goodbye to Terry Swainbank Cumulative index to BSBI News who has decided not to seek re-election to the As mentioned on page 34 of the last issue a post of Hon. Treasurer although he will Cumulative index to BSBI News covering continue to act in that capacity until a replace- issues 1-110 is now available as a searchable ment can be found (see separate flyer). and downloadable pdf on the BSBI Website. New Rules – Enclosed with this mailing is a It must be stressed that this is a very basic copy of the new Rules, as approved by index with no fancy frills. It is in purely Council, which will come up for adoption at computer generated ABC order where all our AGM in June. Members should read these punctuation marks are sorted as if they were carefully as many changes have been made letters or digits. No editing has yet taken place and a summary of these can be found on page so each entry is given in full without contrac- 4 of the AGM programme, also enclosed. tion. Eventually I may get around to stream- BSBI Yearbook 2011 – The new style lining it but I thought it best to upload it now, Yearbook appears to have been met with ‘warts and all’ rather than wait. Editorial / Diary 3

Submission of articles to BSBI News and articles relating to literary/artistic usages of New Journal of Botany botany. The NJB will in due course have detailed For submitting articles, please take note of information for intending contributors of the deadlines which are clearly inserted at the papers, but in the meantime the editors of back of each issue of BSBI News, and please BSBI News would like to clarify the position submit all material in the first instance to the regarding future content of this journal. Receiving Editor. As we have said before, The subject matter that we will focus on these do not need to be produced in the format remains: short articles and notes on the flora of in which they will appear in News. It helps us the British Isles, including Ireland, Man and if they are simple electronic WORD the Channel Islands, or notes relating to other documents, with limited or no formatting, areas illuminating the flora of these islands. other than indication of italics, and in Times Unlike the NJB, articles submitted to BSBI New Roman, 10 point type, although we can News are not normally peer-reviewed, change this as necessary. We can, of course, although the editors may seek advice in certain still type up hand-written notes for those that circumstances. If we feel that a submitted are unable to supply articles in electronic article is of sufficient scientific merit to be format and, if necessary, can also scan in hard written up as a paper for the NJB, we will copy of typewritten material, although both suggest to the submitting author that this is the are time-consuming and can lead to errors. case as soon as possible. It is also very helpful to receive photographs We remain interested in a wide range of as separate JPEGs (or other formats), which articles, including tangential ones relevant to should be of as high a quality as possible. the core subject matter, or concerning people Please ensure that the name of the photogra- involved in the countries’ botany. Owing to pher is included alongside full caption details, pressures on space following the re-focusing and the date of the photograph. It would also of the Society’s journals, BSBI News will no be useful if photographers could remember longer be publishing reports of field meetings that ‘portrait’ images are often much easier to or full-length obituaries, which will normally place in the colour section than ‘landscape’ go into the relevant BSBI Yearbook, and it has and if possible to take a photo in both formats. reluctantly had to relinquish publication of

DIARY N.B. These dates may be supplementary to those in the 2011 Calendar in BSBI Yearbook 2011 14 May Scottish Committee, Edinburgh. 22 Sep Meetings Committee, London. 18/19June AGM and Spring Conference, 24 Sep Scottish Committee, Edinburgh. Galway, Ireland. 5 Oct Records Committee, London. 18 June BSBI Council, Galway, Ireland. 12 Oct Publications Committee, London. 20 July Executive Committee, London. 15 Oct Welsh Committee (venue to be decided). 12/14 Aug Welsh AGM and Exhibition 26 Oct Executive Committee, London. meeting, Dale Fort, Pembs. 5 Nov Scottish AGM and Exhibition, 27/28 Aug Irish AGM, Derrygonnelly, Edinburgh. Fermanagh. 16 Nov Council, London. 21 Sep Training and Education Committee, 26 Nov Annual Exhibition Meeting, Natural Shrewsbury. History Museum, London. 4 Notes – Rediscovery of Scleranthus annuus ssp. annuus in v.c.59

NOTES Rediscovery of Scleranthus annuus ssp. annuus (Annual Knawel) in v.c.59 (South Lancashire) PHILIP H. SMITH, 9 Hayward Court, Watchyard Lane, Formby, Liverpool, L37 3QP Introduction development of a golf course (D. P. Earl, in While completing a botanical survey at litt., 2010). Birkdale Common, Merseyside (SD320148) on 1st November 2010, I was surprised to find The study area a low-growing plant that was unfamiliar to me. Situated on the outskirts of Southport, It was soon determined as Scleranthus annuus Birkdale Common is a 10ha open space that is ssp. annuus (Annual Knawel), thought extinct heavily used for informal recreation, in v.c.59 (South Lancashire) since 1986 (D. P. especially dog-walking. It forms part of the Earl in litt., 2010) (see inside front cover). extensive Sefton Coast sand-dune system, Further visits were made with friends to estab- lying close to the eastern fringe of the surviv- lish the size of the population and characterise ing dune belt. As the substrate is several its habitat. centuries old, the initially high lime-content of the sand has been removed by leaching, the Ecology and status of Scleranthus annuus: vegetation consisting largely of open acidic In the British Isles, S. annuus is a widespread grassland dominated by Festuca ovina annual or biennial, occurring in two distinct (Sheep’s-fescue) and Agrostis capillaris habitat types: arable fields and dry, heathy (Common Bent). grasslands (Lockton & Pearman, 2010). S. annuus appears to be confined to an area Ellenberg indicator values show that this of about 27 × 23m, mainly associated with the species is adapted to generally well-lit places west-facing slope of a large sandy mound, (L = 7), soils of below average dampness (F = probably of artificial origin. Here the plant is 4), usually moderately acid soils (R = 4), widely scattered but also locally abundant in rather infertile conditions (N = 4), and is three patches, ranging from 3 to 8m in absent from saline soils (S = 0) (Hill et al., diameter. The number of mature plants on 7th 2004). Although its British range seems November 2010 was estimated at about 250 unchanged, the plant has greatly declined in but there were also many non-flowering first- frequency, the New atlas citing a Change year rosettes. A total of 29 associated vascular Index of -2.68, with most losses having and bryophyte taxa was found (Table 1, p. 6). occurred since 1950 (Lusby, 2002). Reflect- There are three notable species in addition to ing this decline, S. annuus is listed in the Great S. annuus, these being Aphanes australis Britain Red Data List as “Endangered” (Cheff- (Narrow-leaved Parsley-piert), Ornithopus ings & Farrell, 2005). perpusillus (Bird’s-foot) and Spergula Savidge et al. (1963) describe S. annuus as arvensis (Corn Spurrey). The first two are “occasional” in South Lancashire, giving ten listed as Species of Conservation Importance records between 1868 and 1940 in dry, sandy in North West England (Regional Biodiversity fields and waste land. Their most recent Steering Group, 1999) and were locally sighting on what is now the Sefton Coast was abundant elsewhere on the site, while the third in 1914. The New flora of south Lancashire is Red Data List “Vulnerable” (Cheffings & (2010 Archive Version) shows past occur- Farrell, 2005). All are typical of disturbed, rences in nine tetrads, the most recent being at somewhat acidic open habitats. A small Queen’s Park, Blackburn, where the plant population of Potentilla argentea (Hoary occurred in 1986 on ground disturbed by the Cinquefoil) (Red Data List “Near Threat- Notes – Rediscovery of Scleranthus annuus ssp. annuus in v.c.59 5 ened”) occurred on the Common from about conservation management is required, 1950 to at least 1995, but has not been seen in although control over dog-fouling would be recent years (D.P. Earl in litt. 2010). beneficial. Reference to keys in Rodwell (1992, 2000) Acknowledgements: indicates that the plant community is referable I am grateful to Catherine Highfield, Patricia either to the U.K. National Vegetation Classi- Lockwood and Michael Wilcox for assistance fication’s U1: Festuca ovina-Agrostis capilla- with field work and comments on a draft of the ris-Rumex acetosella grassland or to the rather manuscript; Catherine Highfield identified the similar SD12: Carex arenaria-Festuca ovina- bryophytes; Dave Earl kindly provided infor- Agrostis capillaris dune grassland, these mation, including records from the New flora sometimes being difficult to separate in of south Lancashire database. coastal habitats. The former is a widespread calcifuge type in southern Britain, being References: characteristic of base-poor, summer-parched CHEFFINGS, C.M. & FARRELL, L. (eds.) soils of the warm, dry lowlands, and often (2005). The vascular plant Red Data List for maintained by grazing and trampling Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation (Rodwell, 1992). SD12 is associated with Committee, Peterborough. fixed acidic sands around the coasts of Britain, HILL, M.O., PRESTON, C.D. & ROY, D.B. especially towards the north and west, where (2004). PLANTATT. Attributes of British calcareous wind-blown sand has leached over and Irish plants: status, size, life history, time (Rodwell, 2000). At Birkdale Common, geography and habitats. Centre for Ecology there is little evidence of rabbit-grazing and no & Hydrology, Monks Wood, Cambridge. livestock, but the plant community is LOCKTON, A.J. & PEARMAN, D.A. (2010). maintained by occasional mowing, recrea- Species account: Scleranthus annuus. tional trampling and summer drought, these BSBI: www.bsbi.org.uk. factors creating a short sward with frequent LUSBY, P.S. (2002). ‘Scleranthus annuus bare patches ideal for colonisation by non- Annual Knawel’. In: C.D. Preston, D.A. competitive plants, such as S. annuus and Pearman, & T.D. Dines (eds.) New atlas of several of its associates. the British and Irish flora, (p.169). Oxford Conservation University Press, Oxford. Although much of the Sefton Coast is desig- Regional Biodiversity Steering Group (1999). nated for its nature conservation interest, A biodiversity audit of north west England. Birkdale Common does not benefit from Merseyside Environmental Advisory protected status. However, its recently estab- Service, Bootle. lished botanical value may justify inclusion in RODWELL, J.S. (ed.) (1992). British plant Sefton Council’s list of local wildlife sites communities, volume 3: Grasslands and (Sites of Local Biological Interest) designated montane communities. Cambridge Universi- under the Unitary Development Plan. The ty Press, Cambridge. Common was heavily disturbed during the RODWELL, J.S. (ed.) (2000). British plant Open Championship at the adjacent Royal communities, volume 5: Maritime communi- Birkdale Golf Course in July 2008, but it is ties and vegetation of open habitats. thought that the Scleranthus site was not Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. directly impacted and no lasting damage has SAVIDGE, J.P., HEYWOOD, V.H. & GORDON, been detected (D.P. Earl, in litt., 2010). The V. (eds.) (1963). Travis’s flora of south habitat occupied by S. annuus is maintained Lancashire. Liverpool Botanical Society, by its current land-use and no particular Liverpool. 6 Notes – Rediscovery of Scleranthus annuus ssp. annuus in v.c.59

Table 1: Vascular and bryophyte taxa associated with Scleranthus annuus, Birkdale Common, November 2010 a = abundant; f = frequent; o = occasional; r = rare; l = locally. Taxon English name Frequency Agrostis capillaris Common Bent a Ammophila arenaria Marram o Aphanes australis Narrow-leaved Parsley-piert lf Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s-purse o Carex arenaria Sand Sedge o Cerastium sp. Mouse-ear o Ceratodon purpureus Redshank o Erodium cicutarium Common Stork’s-bill o Erophila verna Spring Whitlow-grass r Festuca brevipila Hard Fescue o Festuca ovina Sheep’s-fescue a Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill f Hypnum cupressiforme s.l. A Plait-moss a Hypochaeris radicata Cat’s-ear o Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass o Ornithopus perpusillus Bird’s-foot f Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain o Plantago lanceolatus Ribwort Plantain f Plantago major Great Plantain r Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass o Polytrichum juniperinum Juniper Haircap la Prunella vulgaris Selfheal o Rumex acetosella Sheep’s Sorrel o Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort r Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop o Spergula arvensis Corn Spurrey r Syntrichia ruralis ssp. ruraliformis Sand-hill Screw-moss la Trifolium dubium Lesser Trefoil f Trifolium repens White Cover f Notes – Trifolium incarnatum ssp. molinerii in South Devon – five years on 7

Trifolium incarnatum ssp. molinerii (Long-headed Clover) in South Devon – five years on PETER REAY, Crooked Fir, Moorland Park, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9AS; ([email protected]) Introduction Lizard experience I thought it looked like Ian Bennallick may be spurred on “to seek out Long-headed Clover, but initially had to new sites and search old, known sites” of local assume it was the introduced ssp. incarnatum, rarities (Bennallick, 2010), but I’m happy just although I knew nothing about this one. to stumble upon them! Admittedly, this However, after consulting the literature, and approach has not been wildly productive so getting confirmation from Roger Smith, it was far, but it was how I found Trifolium incarna- soon clear that the Devon plants were indeed tum ssp. molinerii (Long-headed Clover) in S. ssp. molinerii, and Roger and I set about Devon (v.c.3) in June 2005 (Smith, 2006) (see searching a wider area of the SSSI. We provi- front cover). It was a spooky find, as my first sionally pinpointed its distribution to about ever encounter with this clover had been on 1km of SW-facing cliff-top and slope running the Lizard only a few weeks earlier, and I south-east from Bolt Tail (SX669395 - wouldn’t have seen it there had the returning SX675389) in three main colonies named Choughs not needed RSPB volunteers to keep (after their locations) Graystone, Whitechurch an eye on them. Even so, I certainly wasn’t and Redrot. In August 2005, stumbling again, looking for it while carrying out a survey of I also found a small outlying colony above vascular plants on the Bolt Head to Bolt Tail Soar Mill Cove about 3km to the south-east. SSSI, on National Trust land near Salcombe, Questions began to arise about the origin of this time as an English Nature (now Natural this population on the Devon schists, just over England) volunteer with Wendy Rees – after 100km east of the Lizard peninsula: how long all, it was one of the Lizard species, so why had it been there and why hadn’t it been would it be there? recorded before? The first is perhaps Although there are two historical records for unanswerable, the latter a real puzzle. Devon (Smith, 2006), these are presumed to Although much of the population was distrib- have been casuals, and none were recorded in uted along the cliff edge not normally visited Devon in either the county tetrad atlas by the public, the general area had been far (Ivimey-Cook, 1984) or the national atlas from ignored by local botanists over the years, (Preston et al., 2002). Prior to 2005, the and none of the colonies was more than 50m occurrence of the Long-headed Clover in the from the SW Coastal Path. Indeed, one colony British Isles was believed to be limited to the was growing almost alongside the path where Lizard on the mainland, and to Jersey in the it runs close to the edge at Redrot Cove (see Channel Islands, and this limited distribution colour section plate 4, photo 1). But, however resulted in it being listed as ‘Vulnerable’ in the intriguing its history, I simply set out to British Red Data List (Cheffings & Farrell, monitor the population of my first and, so far, 2005), although it has subsequently been only rarity. As it was known to fluctuate in downgraded to ‘Least Concern’ following its abundance from year to year on the Lizard discovery in Devon (Leach, 2007). (e.g., Hopkins, 1999), and 2005 was appar- When discovered in late June 2005, ently a good year for it there (Smith, 2006), flowering was almost over, but because of the our hunch was that its conspicuous flowering abundance of its large flower-heads in the in Devon in 2005 was a rare event happily sparse cliff-top vegetation, it was conspic- coinciding with a detailed plant survey. It had uous, even to my relatively inexperienced and perhaps escaped detection up to then by lying unprepared eye. I just happened to be low, either in very small numbers and/or not stumbling in the right place. Based on the 8 Notes – Trifolium incarnatum ssp. molinerii in South Devon – five years on flowering. So I braced myself for a poor ssp. diffusum maritime therophyte community showing in 2006. (Smith, 2006). The commonest associated Methods species include Armeria maritima (Thrift), Part of the study has involved further explora- Bromus hordeaceus ssp. ferronii (a coastal tion of the coastline of the SSSI to search for form of Soft-brome), Festuca rubra (Red new colonies (and, in moments of optimism, Fescue), Plantago coronopus (Buck’s-horn other Lizard species). Much can be reached Plantain) and Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort on foot, but even using binoculars, and Plantain). occasionally a rope, some areas of steep cliff The position and extent of the colonies, slope remain unsearched. With regard to established in 2005, does not appear to have measuring abundance, the ideal would have changed subsequently. There are three main been to count individual plants, but because of colonies, at Graystone (100 × 4.5m), Redrot the difficulty of distinguishing between (50 × 3.5m) and Whitechurch (20 × 3m), and individuals in high density colonies, two only a few small colonies between the main simpler methods were chosen: ones have been added (but these may have Ÿ At Graystone and Redrot (the largest been overlooked initially), and none seem to colonies), the limits were initially marked have disappeared. The small outlying colony with small red flags (see photo 1), and the above Soar Mill Cove has also persisted from number of flower-heads counted in at least 2005 to 2010. 40 quadrats (0.25 m2) placed at regular inter- Flowering was over when found in late June vals along transect lines in each colony on 2005, but it is now clear that the clover has visits in early June in 2006, 2008, 2009 and flowered in all the colonies, including the 2010. The results were expressed as mean outlier, every year from 2005 to 2010. numbers of flower-heads m2, and, coupled Flowering time varies a little, but is generally with limited observations on the number of from mid-May to mid-June. Recognisable flower-heads per plant, could also be used to seed-heads persist until August (see photo 2), estimate the number of plants. At White- and vegetative plants are visible from church and other smaller colonies, a total September onwards (see photo 3), so flower-head count was attempted. searching for this annual clover need not be Ÿ At Graystone and Whitechurch, a short restricted to the short flowering period. transect line was established using perma- The clover is by no means a rare plant in the nent pegs to anchor a line with marks at 2m thin strip of cliff-top where it occurs. Within intervals, giving four more-or-less fixed the colonies it is at least frequent, and often 2 abundant, on a DAFOR scale, and in 2006 all quadrat positions. A 0.25m quadrat divided 2 into 25 × (10 × 10cm) cells, was placed at 0.25m quadrats contained at least some each position, and the presence or absence of plants, the number of flower-heads per quadrat the clover in each cell recorded. This gave a reaching a maximum of 164 – there wasn’t maximum potential score of 100 for each room for many more. In July 2005, Roger Smith (pers. comm.) recorded 25–80% cover site on each visit, so the results could be 2 expressed as % occurrence. This was mainly (with a mean of 43%) in ten 1m quadrats applied to vegetative plants in January and within the colonies, which gives a further May, but the quadrats were also used to indication of its abundance. record the number of flower-heads along the Even casual examination would have transect lines in early June. detected a variation in abundance between years. This is quantified in Table 1 (p. 10), Results where, irrespective of index and site, The clover colonies are in short and/or sparse abundance was highest in 2006, and lowest in vegetation on thin soils, mostly close to the 2008, followed by an increase in 2009 and cliff edge, which shows characteristics of the 2010. A question mark hangs over 2007 MC5 Armeria maritima–Cerastium diffusum Notes – Trifolium incarnatum ssp. molinerii in South Devon – five years on 9 because of a lack of data on mean flower-head survival in one year, have the most influence density, but, at least at Graystone, fixed on abundance in the next. quadrat data indicate a lower abundance than The Lizard population 2006, but still higher than in other years. At Although the species is currently doing well Whitechurch, low abundance in 2007 and on The Lizard (Pearman & Byfield 2010), 2008 was associated with an early drying-out there is no information on recent fluctuations of the vegetation, perhaps linked to thinner (Ian Bennallick & David Pearman, pers. soils. Although no comparable quantitative comm.). However, work was carried out from data are available for 2005, it is felt that the 1950 until at least 1989 by botanists from the abundance in that year was probably similar to University of Bristol (Martin & Frost 1980; that in 2006. From the limited data available, Frost 1990). This showed a particularly high it is tempting to suggest a cyclical pattern to abundance in 1977, with approximately the changes in abundance, so it will be inter- 36,000 plants, crashing to 1,500 only two esting to see what emerges from a longer time years later, a pattern which bears an uncanny series. similarity to events in Devon during 2006- Multiplying the mean density of flower- 2008, and also suggests that overall population heads by the area covered by the colonies, and size at the two sites is perhaps of a similar adding in some total counts from the smaller order. The Lizard studies clearly point to colonies, gives estimated total flower-head drought as the main factor driving population counts of about 160,000 in the peak year of size, with high abundance tending to follow a 2006, and about 5,000 in 2008. These convert drought year as a result of the adverse effect to 32,000 and 1,000 plants, assuming five on competing grasses, although factors such as flower heads per plant. This number was grazing are also involved. mainly based on counts carried out in 2009, Conclusions when warm dry conditions in May had killed The methods used here are not perfect, but off much of the surrounding vegetation (but, repeated application over a five-year period interestingly, not quite the clover) so that the has yielded some interesting, if not completely plants were naturally exposed (see photo 4) watertight, results. Whatever the history of and flower-heads easier to count; the range this population prior to 2005, it has been was 2-15 in a sample of 27 plants at White- established that it now consists of thousands of church. plants (ranging annually from 1,000 to 32,000 Weather conditions varied greatly over the over five years) and has persisted and five-year period, so variation in abundance is flowered each year since 2005. Observations not surprising. There may also have been in early 2011 also show that it continues to biotic and anthropogenic processes (in partic- flourish in spite of the harsh winter. Rather ular, sheep grazing) at play. It is beyond the than 2005 being a one-off bountiful year, it is study, and certainly this article, to wander too perhaps the relatively poor showing in 2008 far into the mire of population dynamics, but that was the more unusual event. an insight into when key factors may deter- After five years of gentle monitoring, I now mine abundance is provided by the data in feel a special affinity with this plant, reinforced Figure 1 (p. 11). It can be seen that there is a by the realisation that the initial letters of its reasonably good correlation between % occur- trinomial spelled out the name of my late son, rence in January and May in the same year, Tim. I am keen to continue monitoring, tentatively suggesting that the main factors although concede that a more robust approach operating on abundance do so in the six is probably needed. It is also hoped that months following flowering rather than in the monitoring can be resumed on The Lizard in six months preceding it. It seems likely, there- order to compare fluctuations in the two places, fore, that factors associated with pollination, and to further assess the role of drought and seed-set, germination and/or early seedling other factors. 10 Notes – Trifolium incarnatum ssp. molinerii in South Devon – five years on

Acknowledgements Wigginton, M.J. (ed.). British red data books, Thanks are due to: Lesley Austin, Simon 1. vascular plants. 3rd ed. Joint Nature Leach and Roger Smith for their comments on Conservation Committee, Peterborough. an earlier draft; to Ian Bennallick and David IVIMEY-COOK, R.B. (1984). Atlas of the Pearman for information on the Lizard Devon flora: flowering plants and ferns. population; to Wendy Rees for getting me Exeter: the Devonshire Association. onto the Bolts in the first place and for setting LEACH, S. J. (2007). ‘The vascular plant red up the initial surveys; to Rob Dixon for data list for Great Britain: year 1 amend- supplying (and anchoring) the rope; and to Liz ments’. BSBI News 104: 19-21. McDonnell for the loan of flags. MARTIN, M.H. & FROST, L.C. (1980). References: ‘Autecological studies of Trifolium molinerii at the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall’. BENNALLICK, I. (2010). ‘Centaurium scill- oides, Juncus subnodulosus and Phegopteris New Phytologist 86: 329-344. connectilis rediscovered in Cornwall after PEARMAN, D & BYFIELD, A. (2010). Field many years’. BSBI News 115: 30-34. Meeting Reports: 2010. East Lizard, W. Cornwall (v.c.1), 29-31 May. BSBI News CHEFFINGS, C.M. & FARRELL, L. (eds.) (2005). ‘The vascular plant red list for Great Britain’. 115: 60-61. Species Status 7: 1-116. Joint Nature Conser- PRESTON, C.D., PEARMAN, D.A. & DINES, vation Committee, Peterborough. T.D. (2002). New atlas of the British and Irish flora. Oxford University Press, Oxford. FROST, L.C. (1990). ‘Droughts and the rare annual plants of the Lizard district’. The SMITH, R.E.N. (2006). ‘A “Lizard” clover in Lizard (3rd series) II: 11-15. South Devon’. BSBI News 101: 12-13. HOPKINS, J.J. (1999) ‘Trifolium incarnatum ssp. molinerii (Balbis ex Hornem.) Syme’ In:

Table 1. Long-headed Clover in S. Devon. Abundance in 2006-2010 using three different indices. ND = no data

Indices of abundance 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 A. Mean density of flower-heads m-2 Graystone 258 ND 6 19 67 Redrot 241 ND 12 27 72 B. No. flower-heads m-2 (sum of four fixed quadrats) Graystone 354 220 25 97 127 Whitechurch 62 2 2 22 32 C. % occurrence (sum of four fixed quadrats) Graystone 75 75 27 38 40 Whitechurch 60 4 2 8 9 Notes – Trifolium incarnatum ssp. molinerii in South Devon – five years on / Common names 11 applied to Typha latifolia

80

70

60

50

40

30 Graystone 20 Whitechurch % occurrence in occurrence % May

10

0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

% %occurrence occurrence January in January

Figure 1. Long-headed Clover in Devon. The relationship between % occurrence in the fixed quadrats in January and May at the Graystone and Whitechurch sites, 2006-2010.

Common names applied to Typha latifolia PETER C. HORN, 22 Jowitt Avenue, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8NW The English plant-names ‘Reedmace’ and botanists gave way to common usage and ‘Cat’s-tail’, as applied to Typha latifolia, go called the Reedmace ‘Bulrush’ (Richard back at least as far as the mid 16th century, Mabey, Flora Britannica, 1996). Thus where Turner states: “Typha groweth in fennes “common usage wins over botanical protocol” and watersides among the reedes; it hath a (Ibid.). blacke thinge almost at the head of the stalke The botanists then changed the common lyke blacke velvet. It is called in englishe name of Schoenoplectus lacustris from cattes tayle or a Reedmace” (W.Turner: The ‘Bulrush’ to ‘Common Club-rush’. However, names of herbs. 1548). the name ‘Reedmace’ continues to be applied From this time, for about 400 years, Typha to Typha by some writers, and still appears on latifolia was commonly known as plant labels at some garden centres. ‘Reedmace’, whereas in America the name The question arises: why was the name ‘Cat’s-tail’ was applied to the plant. At some ‘Bulrush’ applied, in the first place, incor- time during the 20th century a growing number rectly, to Typha latifolia? Was it because of people, who were not botanists, for some some country people do sometimes have their reason began to apply the name ‘Bulrush’ to own way of using certain plant-names? For Typha. This was potentially confusing example, I have on occasions heard the name because the name ‘Bulrush’ was applied, by ‘Deadly Nightshade’ applied to Solanum botanists, to Scirpus (now Schoenoplectus) dulcamara, and the name ‘Hemlock’ applied lacustris, which is of course an entirely to umbellifers that are not Conium maculatum. different plant. However, during the 1970s the 12 Notes – Common names applied to Typha latifolia

Another explanation as to why the name plectus. Of course it is possible that some ‘Bulrush’ was first applied to Typha, an expla- other artist painted a ‘Moses in the Bulrushes’, nation that seems to have gained general showing Typha, but, so far, no such painting acceptance, is that people were misled by a has come to light. certain oil painting. The oft-repeated story is [For consistency, the eds. follow the usage in that the artist Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, in C.A. Stace New flora of the British Isles (3rd his oil painting entitled ‘Moses in the ed.) (2010), where ‘Bulrush’ applies to Bulrushes’, depicted Moses among Typha members of the genus Typha, while ‘Common latifolia instead of Schoenoplectus lacustris. Club-rush’ applies to Schoenoplectus lacus- From then on, it is maintained, under the influ- tris, although I, for one, regret the loss of the ence of this painting, people (non-botanists) English ‘Reedmace’! A quick look at the generally began to apply the name ‘Bulrush’ Internet (7th November 2010) found an illus- incorrectly to Typha. tration from an anonymous Bible card, However, there is a twist to the tale, in that published in 1904, that might explain the it appears that Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema did promulgation of the erroneous attribution of not paint a ‘Moses in the Bulrushes’. In 1904 ‘Bulrush’ to Typha (see below), if not its he painted ‘The finding of Moses’, but this origin! T.J.]. painting does not show Typha or Schoeno- Notes – Uncertainties over the future of Aesculus: pests and diseases 13

Uncertainties over the future of Aesculus: pests and diseases JACK E. OLIVER, High View, Rhyls Lane, Lockeridge, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 4ED Stace (2010) gives three Aesculus species as C. ohridella (from Macedonia, now pan- self-sown in Britain: Aesculus hippocastanum European?) will soon make use of local (Horse-chestnut), A. carnea (Red Horse-chest- North American and Japanese Aesculus nut), and A. indica (Indian Horse-chestnut). leaves. C. ohridella has 15 or so natural All three are also much planted, the first two enemies, mainly parasitic wasps, but they frequently a feature of our landscape, only account for as little as 1-6% of the especially roadsides and avenues. In 2009, moth larvae and pupae, hardly making any Wiltshire tree surgeons were gloomily predict- impact so far. ing that all our conker trees might go the way 2. Aesculus Scale Insect Pulvinaria regalis. of English Elms. Bacterial Bleeding Canker Reference: Bevan, 1987. The Forestry (see below) was spreading rapidly and killing Commission damage rating on this pest of numbers of medium and large trees. Aesculus is only fourth on a scale of five, Mabbett (2009) reviews the two main condi- one above ‘unimportant’. tions severely afflicting Aesculus since 2008: 3. Bacterial Bleeding Canker Pseudomonas Bacterial Bleeding Canker and Horse-chestnut syringae p.v. aesculi. Reference: Mabbett, Leaf-miner infestation (see below). At that 2009. The trunks and forks of A. hippoc- time, Horse-chestnut Leaf-miner “… only astanum and A. carnea are becoming damages A. hippocastanum”, but by 2010 infected in increasing numbers by this A. carnea (Fig. 1, p. 15) and A. indica (Fig. 2) gram-negative rod bacterium, which so far were obviously affected in the Marlborough infects the leaves but not the trunks of locality. A. indica. Water-logging, timber cracks, The following six conditions are of varying drought, mechanical or frost damage and importance individually, but there are close planting increase the vulnerability of probably important synergistic interactions A. hippocastanum and A. carnea trees to between them, and between these and certain wind-borne infected water droplets. environmental adversities. Mabbett has eight good colour photos, one 1. Horse-chestnut Leaf-miner Moth Camer- showing Cameraria moths on the trunk aria ohridella. References: Tilbury & ooze. I have examined the transparent Evans, 2003; Mabbett, 2009. British and resinous ooze and the black scabs and European members of the B.S.B.I. should rotting bark-crevice tissues under high- by now be familiar with the early leaf- power microscopy, but I have failed to find patches and subsequent browning of the bacterial rods, or any other infecting Horse-chestnut foliage. This late autumnal organism. It would seem that, of the five effect can strike A. hippocastanum trees or six suggested modes of disease trans- from June onwards, but in this part of mission, Cameraria moths would only Wiltshire A. carnea and A. indica are carry the Pseudomonas if they alighted on infested later, and (so far!) less severely recently-opened, soggy, infected sub-bark (Figs. 1 and 2). The pupa can survive tissues, rather than dried, dead bark scabs overwintering temperatures of -23ºC. I or resinous exudates. Despite the pessi- have not yet seen invasions on the leaves mistic title of his article, Mabbett is quite of A. flava (Yellow Buckeye), A. neglecta optimistic about the future of A. hippocast- (Sunrise Horse-chestnut), or A. turbinata anum and A. indica in the U.K. In 10 (Japanese Horse-chestnut). The North years, Dutch Elm Disease devastated the American counterpart of C. ohridella is English Elm population, but the Horse- C. aesculisella, but I would predict that chestnuts are genetically so varied that many survive. 14 Notes – Uncertainties over the future of Aesculus: pests and diseases

4. Leaf-blotch fungus Guignardia aesculi. Oak). Aesculus hippocastanum is This condition mimics the Horse-chestnut prone to infection by P. ramorum Leaf-miner Moth infestation. Although it and/or P. kernoviae. is fairly common on Horse-chestnuts in 6. Powdery Canker. Reference: Bean, 1989. this part of Wiltshire, I have only seen it This is a degenerative disease affecting sometimes infecting a few patches of a few only mature Aesculus carnea trees. Ugly leaflets on a few trees, with no apparent trunk eruptions were conspicuous on serious effects on the foliage. specimens and groups in Marlborough and 5. Phytophthora. These are fungal-like on the Tottenham Estate, adjacent to organisms, the pathogenic forms of which Savernake Forest. Most such trees have have been devastating tree populations in now been removed. parts of the British Isles and elsewhere. Recoveries a. Phytophthora cactorum and P. citricola Severe infestations of A. hippocastanum over can cause Aesculus trunk rots or bleed- three years by Cameraria moth larvae have ing canker, similar to Pseudomonas. killed few trees, despite halving the annual However, these conditions are uncom- photosynthetic period. I have noted on some mon and slow-spreading. trees unusual new green leafy August shoots, b. Phytophthora ramorum and P. kerno- comparable to ‘Lammas’ growths in oaks. viae. References: Forestry Commis- Conker yields have been very much reduced. sion (2010a, b); Mabbett (2010); The more serious fulminant, Bleeding Canker Mackinlay & McIntosh (2010). (probably Pseudomonas rather than Phytoph- P. kernoviae is a serious pathogen thora) certainly kills some trees, but others newly identified from Cornish (hence recover completely, whether or not there has ‘Kernow’) Rhododendrons and a been tree surgery. It is not possible to guess Beech, but subsequently found as far which of the other trunk-rots might be caused afield as New Zealand. One or both of by one of the Phytophthora species without these pathogens, acting via the soil, full laboratory expertise. However, I have may be responsible for die-back and noted recovery of one tree in which two thirds deaths of numbers of Savernake Forest of the trunk was ringed. Some of the branch mature oaks, especially Quercus robur and trunk rots followed Grey Squirrel damage saplings of alien (non-Wiltshire) and were therefore not caused by primary provenance. The four studies listed pathogens. These also healed in time. above give many woody taxa as vulnerable to (or infected with) Summary P. ramorum and/or P. kernoviae. The Bacterial Bleeding Canker (Pseudomonas) is combined totals are: currently the main threat to Aesculus hippoc- Broad-leaved trees: 14 genera, 17+ astanum and A. carnea, but will probably not species (6 native, 4 naturalised, in- prove fatal to all trees. Large-scale disfiguring cluding Aesculus). of the foliage of A. hippocastanum, A. carnea Shrubs: 11 genera, 15+ species and and A. indica by Horse-chestnut Leaf-miner hybrids (8 native). seems likely to continue. Plant scientists Conifers: 4 genera, 4 species (1 na- currently seem uncertain over the recent tive: Yew). waves of Phytophthora afflicting our native, Woody climbers: 1 species (native: introduced and plantation woody species, Ivy). including Aesculus. A. carnea, a species origi- To date, the most serious concerns nating from A. hippocastanum × A. pavia have been directed towards plantations hybridisation, is the only Aesculus vulnerable of Larix kaempferi (Japanese Larch) to all six of these conditions. It remains to be and forest Quercus robur (Pedunculate seen whether 1, 3 and 5b will, in combination, seriously decimate our Aesculus populations. Notes – Uncertainties over the future of Aesculus: pests and diseases 15

It would seem inadvisable to plant any FORESTRY COMMISSION (2010b). ‘Phyto- Aesculus trees as avenues or en masse in phthora ramorum’. Web page: future. They should be mixed with different www.forestry.gov.uk/pramorum (accessed: tree genera. A. indica and A. turbinata might 13/10/2010). stand a better chance than A. hippocastanum MABBETT, T. (2009). ‘Horse Chestnuts bleed- and A. carnea in decades to come. ing to death’. Forestry Journal 15(6): 42-44. Acknowledgements: MABBETT, T. (2010). ‘Phytophthora ramorum My thanks to Tony Coultiss, Data Projects hits larch in Ireland’. Forestry Journal Officer of the Wiltshire & Swindon Biological 16(10): 9. Records Centre. MACKINLAY, L. & MCINTOSH, J. (2010). Phytophthora ramorum and P. kernoviae in References: Scotland. BSBI News 113: 11-12. BEAN, W.J. (1989). Trees and shrubs hardy STACE, C.A. (2010). New flora of the British in the British Isles. Vol. 1: A – C. John Isles. 3rd ed. Cambridge University Press, Murray, London. Cambridge. BEVAN, D. (1987). Forest insects. Forestry TILBURY, C. & EVANS, H. (2003). Exotic pest Commission Handbook, no. 1. H.M.S.O., alert: Horse-chestnut Leaf Miner Cameraria London. ohridella. Forestry Commission. FORESTRY COMMISSION (2010a). ‘Phyto- phthora kernoviae’. Web page: www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-66jlgb (accessed 13/10/2010).

Figure 1: Leaf and leaflets of Aesculus carnea Figure 2: Leaflets of Aesculus indica Both damaged by Horse-chestnut Leaf-miner Moth caterpillars (September 2010). J. E. Oliver 16 Notes – A native population of Brachypodium pinnatum in (v.c.94), re-found after 144 years

A native population of Brachypodium pinnatum (Heath False- brome) in Banffshire (v.c.94), re-found after 144 years ANDY AMPHLETT, 72 Strathspey Drive, Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire, PH26 3EY; ([email protected]) Brachypodium pinnatum agg. (Tor-grass) is a be introductions, e.g. on roadsides, only perennial of dry calcareous soils. Its distribu- increased my suspicion that the plants may not tion in Great Britain is centred on central have persisted. southern and eastern England. Populations in In 2010, I re-found Gymnadenia densiflora SW England, western Wales and Scotland are (Marsh Fragrant-orchid) here, at its only site mapped as alien in the Atlas (Preston et al., in the county, updating a 1993 record made by 2002). In Scotland, the Atlas maps it as occur- Kathy Fallowfield. On 24th July I returned to ring in c.10 hectads, with the most northerly survey the population in greater detail. 58 sites being in Mid Perthshire (v.c.88). Further flowering plants were counted, centred on the recording and computerising of historic best remaining area of open grassland. records has increased the number of hectads in Having completed my count, I walked north- Scotland to c.13 (BSBI, 2011). wards into the edge of open woodland, mainly There is actually a record of B. pinnatum comprising Betula pubescens (Downy Birch). agg. from further north in Scotland, from The ground here is steep, and I was giving as Banffshire (v.c.94). J.P. Bisset collected it at much attention to my footing as to plants, Craighalkie (NJ1519), near Tomintoul in when I virtually walked into a dense patch of 1866. There is a voucher at the University of c.100 erect stems of a distinctive and Aberdeen (ABD), and the record was, unfamiliar grass. A couple of stems were according to Mary McCallum Webster’s card collected, and the plant was keyed out at index for the county, published (J. Bot., 4 home: Brachypodium pinnatum – I had re- (1866): 392). It is not clear why this record found it, virtually by accident. was not mapped in the Atlas. A source for the Stace (2010) and Cope & Gray (2009) differ only subsequent record, in 1969 at Tomintoul, in their treatment of B. pinnatum agg, both listed in a dataset collated during work for the recognising two taxa, but at different ranks. Atlas, can not be traced, and this record is Stace gives two species, B. rupestre and probably best discounted as a transcription or B. pinnatum, while Cope suggests the two taxa data entry error. are probably best recognised as subspecies of Craighalkie, a small site supporting calcar- B. pinnatum. The population I had found had eous woodland and grassland with limestone hairy glumes and lemmas and the leaf blades outcrops, lies within the Creag nan Gamhainn were sparsely hairy on the upper surface. SSSI and SAC, south of Bridge of Avon. Examining the lower surface of a folded leaf Known to generations of botanists in NE at ×30 under a stereo microscope with trans- Scotland as a location for a number of rare and mitted light, I could see very small stiffly erect locally notable plants, it must be considered hairs (average c.10μm length) across the relatively well recorded. A minimum of 29 whole width of the leaf surface, both between different botanists have visited and recorded and on the veins. These are the ‘prickle-hairs’ here, in 43 different years over the period 1839 referred to by Stace and Cope, and stated by to 2010, and there are plant records for 20 of Stace to be the definitive identification feature. the last 30 years. Immediately adjacent to the These hairs are invisible using a ×20 hand A939, the site is easily accessible. Therefore, lens, so identification using this feature is only while I was aware of Bisset’s 1866 record, and possible using a microscope. Stace, in his key, kept it in mind when botanising here, I was states that to observe these hairs requires a doubtful that the species would be re-found. minimum ×50 magnification. On the plants I That other Scottish records were considered to examined, as long as a folded leaf was viewed Notes – A native population of Brachypodium pinnatum in (v.c.94), re-found after 144 years 17 back-lit, the hairs were visible at ×30. There- Corylus avellana (Hazel), Dactylis glomerata fore, using the criteria adopted by Stace, I (Cock’s-foot), Danthonia decumbens (Heath- identified the plants as B. pinnatum sens. str. grass), Galium verum (Lady’s Bedstraw), (Heath False-brome). Helianthemum nummularium (Common I sent a specimen to Tom Cope at Kew and he Rock-rose), Avenula pratensis (Meadow Oat- commented: “The specimen you sent is a very grass), Hypericum hirsutum (Hairy St John’s- good example of why I didn’t recommend in wort), Origanum vulgare (Wild Marjoram), the grasses handbook that a formal distinction Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain), be made between B. pinnatum and B. rupestre, Potentilla erecta (Tormentil), Succisa at least at the species level.” Given that the pratensis (Devil’s-bit Scabious), Trifolium prickle hairs were to be found over the whole medium (Zigzag Clover) and Vicia sylvatica lower surface of the leaf, in both costal and (Wood Vetch). intercostal regions he agreed that the plants fell Given the relatively undisturbed, semi-nat- within the circumscription of B. pinnatum sens. ural habitat in which B. pinnatum grows, that str. However he noted that, “the raceme (stiffly all the associate species are native to the area, upright) is characteristic of rupestre; the and that it was first recorded here over 100 vegetative parts are intermediate in their years ago, it is reasonable to consider it native indumentum; the length of the ligule is in the to the site. This is 200km north of the most zone of overlap, as is that of the lemma and the northerly native site mapped in the Atlas, in awn. The habitat is almost certainly that of North Northumberland (Swan, 1993). Are rupestre.” He concluded that “There is more there other populations in Scotland that should work needed to determine whether a distinction be re-assessed as native? Smith et al. (1992) is both practicable and useful”. list B. pinnatum agg. as native in Mid and East Chater (2010) reports two apparently native, Perthshire (v.cc.88 & 89), although these and four non-native populations of records were mapped as alien in the Atlas. B. pinnatum agg. in Cardiganshire (v.c.46). Given that the small Banffshire population He comments that the diagnostic characters of was overlooked for so long, are there other B. pinnatum and B. rupestre are not well native populations to be discovered in correlated in these populations, and all six Scotland? Duncan (1980) mentions an uncon- populations differ in varying characters from firmed 1956 record from a sea cliff near the each other. He therefore lists them all as the mouth of the Eathie Burn (another well known aggregate species. botanical site), near Cromarty in Easter Ross The site where B. pinnatum grows in Banff- (v.c.106). In the absence of a specimen, and shire is the most northerly and, at 320m not able to relocate the species here herself, A.O.D., the highest altitude site for she discounted the record. B. pinnatum agg. in the British Isles. A further Re-finding species last recorded decades or search of the area in early September 2010 more ago is particularly satisfying. Crepis failed to locate any additional stands, and the mollis (Northern Hawk’s-beard), was also population may be restricted to this single collected at Craighalkie by J.P. Bisset in 1863, patch. and last recorded here by E.S. Marshall & Closely associated species were: Alchemilla W.A. Shoolbred in 1905. This is the most filicaulis (Hairy Lady’s-mantle), Arrhen- northerly recorded site in Great Britain. Could atherum elatius (False Oat-grass), Betula it still be present here? I have looked for it, but pubescens (Downy Birch), Brachypodium without success so far … sylvaticum (False Brome), Bromopsis ramosa References: (Hairy-brome), Carex flacca (Glaucous BSBI (2011). http://www.bsbimaps.org.uk/ Sedge), Centaurea nigra (Common Knap- atlas/main.php – accessed 04/02/2011. weed), Cirsium heterophyllum (Melancholy CHATER, A.O. (2010). Flora of Cardigan- Thistle), Clinopodium vulgare (Wild Basil), shire. Aberystwyth. 18 Notes – A native population of Brachypodium pinnatum in (v.c.94), re-found after 144 years / What is biodiversity?

COPE, T. & GRAY, A. (2009). Grasses of the SMITH, R.A.H., STEWART, N.F., TAYLOR, British Isles. BSBI Handbook No. 13. N.W. & THOMAS, R.E. (1992). Checklist of London. the plants of Perthshire. Perth. DUNCAN, U.K. (1980). Flora of East Ross- STACE, C.A. (2010). New flora of the British shire. Edinburgh. Isles. 3rd edn. CUP, Cambridge. PRESTON, C.D., PEARMAN, D.A. & DINES, SWAN, G.A. (1993). Flora of Northumber- T.D. (2002). New atlas of the British & Irish land. Newcastle upon Tyne. flora. OUP, Oxford. What is biodiversity? JOHN PRESLAND, 175c Ashley Lane, Winsley, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2HR In order to write an article for Wiltshire However, “biodiversity” is not an activity – Botany on how to promote biodiversity it needs a word added to say what we need to locally, I read a variety of publications on the do. Perhaps we should speak of “biodiversity topic. Though it has now become a major promotion”, since more than conservation is issue, I could find no clear definition of the required. The Lawton Review (2010) has word. So I constructed one. Readers may recently reported to the Government on how wish to share it – and, indeed, improve on it. to take biodiversity further, taking the stance Biodiversity is a term for the variety of that we need to advance beyond trying to hang wildlife which we ought to be maintaining and on to what we have to “large-scale habitat enhancing. It refers to the existence of a large restoration and recreation”. A major aim, they number of species, and variations within argue, should be to enlarge and improve species, of living things (e.g. Pyramidal current wildlife sites, add new ones and find Orchid, the Marbled White butterfly), of the means of joining them up. Wildlife sites different communities of which they form a should be “more, bigger, better and joined”. part (e.g. species-rich limestone grassland), References: and of the environments which these species LAWTON REVIEW PANEL (2010). Making and communities require (e.g. limestone space for nature: a review of England’s grassland which has not been agriculturally wildlife sites and ecological network. improved by fertilisers, herbicides, etc.). It is Report to Defra. perhaps another word for “nature”, but with PRESLAND, J. (2011). ‘Biodiversity at parish value judgements implied. level: the example of Winsley’. Wiltshire The term “biodiversity” appears to have Botany 12: 26-35. become more prominent than the formerly popular term “nature conservation”. Perhaps [Note from the Editor: The International Un- this is because “nature conservation” had ion for the Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) become too associated in the public mind with gives the following definition of ‘biodiversi- maintaining rare species rather than a wide ty’: “the variability among living organisms variety of species and a variety of entire from all sources including terrestrial, marine communities. Biodiversity encompasses both. and other aquatic ecosystems, and the ecolog- Further, nature conservation may have ical complexes of which they are part; this implied that we only keep what we have, includes diversity within species, between whereas biodiversity thinking includes species, and of ecosystems.” enhancement of existing communities and Reference: creation of new ones to increase the number I.U.C.N. Website. (http://www.iucn.org/what/ and variety of organisms and link them up into tpas/biodiversity/about/?gclid=CKCbwanIx networks through which species can more qcCFQoZ4QoduAHyCw)(accessed easily move and establish themselves more 11/3/2011)] widely. Notes – Diphasiastrum clubmosses in Strath Nethy (v.c.96) 19

Diphasiastrum clubmosses in Strath Nethy (v.c.96) MARK GURNEY, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds., SG19 2DL ANDY AMPHLETT, RSPB, Forest Lodge, Nethybridge, Inverness-shire, PH25 3EF Issler’s Clubmoss is a rare plant in Britain. small, on the exposed gravel near a deer track. Clive Jermy (1989) reviewed its history and The other extended for about 160m along a taxonomy and concluded that the most appro- gully formed by a stream, and continued for priate name for the British plants is Diphasias- 350m south along the slope in a band about trum complanatum ssp. issleri. As the taxon 50m wide. Altogether, the plant was common is of hybrid origin (Diphasiastrum complana- over an area of about 2.5ha (we recorded it in tum × Diphasiastrum alpinum) it might be 67 10m × 10m grid squares). Both locations more appropriate to call it Diphasiastrum were between 700m and 750m altitude, with ×issleri or to regard it as a species (Diphasias- plants descending to 670m down the gully. trum issleri) in its own right. Otherwise, why The slopes were covered by Heather and should it be included as an infraspecific taxon Empetrum nigrum (Crowberry), so the vegeta- of one parent rather than the other? tion was not outstanding. Similar conditions Jermy (1989) mentioned a record from must be found in hundreds of places Strath Nethy, Easterness (v.c.96, but mistak- throughout the Highlands, but they are botani- enly listed under v.c.92), where David cally unpromising and rarely visited by those Tennant found a population between 750m seeking unusual plants. Erica cinerea (Bell and 800m altitude in NJ0206, south-west of Heather) was present, but usually on more Bynack Beg, in 1981. The site is now part of exposed areas, and the clubmoss seemed to Abernethy National Nature Reserve, which is avoid areas of Bell Heather, preferring the managed by the Royal Society for the Protec- Heather instead. tion of Birds. Diphasiastrum alpinum (Alpine Clubmoss) It does not seem to have been recorded in was growing with Issler’s Clubmoss in a Strath Nethy again until Andy Amphlett number of places, and we spent some time visited the site in 1993 and found two popula- sorting out the differences between these two tions in the area of the original discovery. In similar species. Alpine Clubmoss is often 1994 he and David Wood made a thorough found in exposed areas of short vegetation. In search of the area, and they noted several these environments it is glaucous, its branches hundred patches across an area of at least four are short and bunched, and its stems are rather hectares. Three years later, in 1997, Andy fat, unlike the bright green, straggling, flat returned with James Cadbury. They found the stems of shaded Issler’s Clubmoss. However, clubmoss in two separate areas about 800m when it is growing under Heather or in other apart, in NJ0206 and NJ0205. The northern shaded places, the familiar Alpine Clubmoss locality had a few plants growing near a of mountain summits can take on the appear- gravelly deer track, and this was probably the ance of Issler’s Clubmoss. We found some site that David Tennant had found. At the clubmosses that had flat, green or yellow- southern locality, the clubmoss was found in green stems straggling through the under- good numbers extending over at least 200m, growth, but they had trowel-shaped ventral but here it was mostly growing under Calluna leaves and strongly curved side leaves typical vulgaris (Heather) and Vaccinium myrtillus of Alpine Clubmoss. Conversely, plants in (Bilberry). exposed situations looked very similar to In September 2010, we went to Strath Nethy these, but they had straight ventral leaves, to try to re-find Issler’s Clubmoss and to map parallel side leaves, and long cones typical of its distribution using GPS data. We found the Issler’s Clubmoss. This range of variation two populations that Andy and James had seen was confusing, but after we examined a thirteen years ago, one of which was rather number of specimens, we were satisfied that 20 Notes – Diphasiastrum clubmosses in Strath Nethy (v.c.96) we were looking at two entities, even though a bright green, broad stems of Issler’s Clubmoss few plants were almost intermediate, with growing in the shade were striking (photo 1), slightly bent ventral leaves. At another but in the open it had narrower, yellow-green location on the Abernethy reserve, at only stems, similar in colour and shape to Alpine 360m altitude, Alpine Clubmoss has been Clubmoss growing in the shade (photo 2). It found growing on a forest track. Here the is important to compare plants growing under plants were bright green, looking almost similar conditions. identical to Issler’s Clubmoss, but with The cones of the Alpine Clubmoss had trowel-shaped leaves. largely finished releasing spores, whereas The Fern Guide (Jermy & Camus, 1991) and those of the Issler’s Clubmoss were just Plant Crib 1998 (Rich & Jermy, 1998) give starting to release theirs. The cones were a useful features for identifying the Diphasias- good feature to pick out the Issler’s Clubmoss, trum clubmosses, but the variation in Alpine as they were longer than those of Alpine Clubmoss is confusing. We thought that some Clubmoss, and often in pairs on short stalks of our observations might help others to find (photos 2 & 3). The stalks were much shorter this plant. Its localities do not seem particu- than those shown on the silhouettes in the larly special, so it could easily be hiding in Plant Crib 1998, and not all the cones had places that receive little attention from stalks, but they were different from the short, botanists. solitary cones of Alpine Clubmoss. The The leaf shape of the side and ventral leaves sporophylls of Alpine Clubmoss were gradu- seems to be the most reliable vegetative ally tapered at the apex (photo 8), whereas feature. Leaves on young shoots are often not those of Issler’s Clubmoss were more rounded typical, so those on second year shoots are the with a point (photo 9), but the shape varied, ones to look at. These are the parts of the and unless one was comparing sporophylls branches immediately below the first constric- from the same part of the cone on similarly tion. The trowel-shaped ventral leaves of aged cones, the difference was subtle. Alpine Clubmoss are mentioned in the guides. The spores themselves were puzzling. As These leaves have a distinct angled bend in the Alpine Clubmoss had mostly finished them when viewed from the side (see colour releasing its spores we were only able to get section plates 2-3, photo 6). Our plants either samples of Issler’s Clubmoss from our Strath had leaves with a distinct bend, like a trowel, Nethy site, but a few weeks later Stewart with the blade parallel to the surface of the Taylor kindly sent us some cones of Alpine stem but raised above it by the ‘handle’ of the Clubmoss from a site at higher altitude, so we trowel (Alpine Clubmoss); or leaves without a could compare the two species. The spores bend, though often curved, and held away from Issler’s Clubmoss in Strath Nethy were from the stem at an angle or lying flat upon it 44.2µm in diameter (mean of 33 spores, (Issler’s Clubmoss) (photo 7). The trowel- standard deviation 3.32). About 30% were shaped ventral leaves were found on shoots misshapen, like deflated footballs (69 of 250 with side leaves that curved strongly in to the spores checked, but we were rather conserva- stem (photo 4), whereas the straighter ventral tive in our classification, and a spore had to be leaves were associated with side leaves that obviously deflated to count). The spores of were straight for much of their length (photo the Alpine Clubmoss were 36.2µm in 5). The ventral and side leaf characters there- diameter (mean of 33 spores, standard devia- fore fitted the descriptions of leaf shapes for tion 2.29), and about 30% were misshapen (84 each of the taxa, and we were confident that out of 250). This is the converse of the sizes the two leaf types referred to the two species. reported by Jermy (1989): 30 – 38µm for The colour and flatness of the shoots were complanatum; 42 – 47µm for alpinum. more variable. As we mentioned above, the Acknowledgements: Notes – Diphasiastrum clubmosses in Strath Nethy (v.c.96) / Some impacts of the Tees Barrage 21 on the local flora of Teesside

Thanks to Stewart Taylor for collecting the and a review of its taxonomic status’. Fern Alpine Clubmoss cones and for the use of his Gazette 13: 257-265. photos, and to Fred Rumsey for help with JERMY, A.C. & AND CAMUS, J. (1991). The identifying specimens and other useful infor- illustrated field guide to ferns and allied mation. plants of the British Isles. Natural History References: Museum, London. RICH, T.C.G. & JERMY, A.C. (1998). Plant JERMY, C.J. (1989). ‘The history of Diphasi- astrum issleri (Lycopodiaceae) in Britain crib 1998. BSBI, London.

Some impacts of the Tees Barrage on the local flora of Teesside D.W. SHIMWELL, High House Farm, High Stoop, Satley, Bishop Auckland, DL13 4HL; ([email protected]) The major ecological effect of the Tees sation of marginal habitats following the Barrage, completed in 1995, was to limit the construction of the barrage. tidal reach of the river. Before the construc- In some way offsetting these losses, the tion of the barrage, the river had been tidal as barrage has had a positive effect in causing the far as the reach above High Worsall Ford development of an excellent strip of salt- (NZ384095), on the lands of Newsham marsh along either side of the course of the Grange, some 25 kilometres upstream as the Old Tees where it runs through the Teesside river meanders. Inevitably, the abrupt change Retail Park (NZ467186 to NZ469177). In the from tidal to freshwater has affected the distri- early 19th century, the natural meanders of the bution of several plant species of marginal Tees were a major drawback to the rapid aquatic habitats in the main river channel and access of traffic bound to and from the port of personal field observations have indicated the Stockton. The year 1791 saw the first contraction of species of saline habitats and proposal to straighten the river by a new the concomitant expansion down river of channel across the northern neck of the certain freshwater species. The halophyte meander, an undertaking that was destined to Aster tripolium (Sea Aster) formerly extended be a mere 220 yards in length, but one which as far upstream as Preston-on-Tees, in the would save a distance of 2½ miles of naviga- vicinity of the Bowesfield Nature Reserve tion. The Mandale or Old Cut was completed (NZ443164), some six kilometres from the on 18th September 1810 and is today that barrage, primarily as a colonist of the retaining stretch of the river forming the northern walls as a chasmophyte, usually within one boundary of the Queen’s Campus of the metre above the level of normal high tides. University of Durham, as far as the seaward Bolboschoenus maritimus (Sea Club-rush) side of the Tees Barrage. The vice-county formerly grew on fragments of muddy salt- boundary between NE Yorkshire (v.c.62) and marsh which also supported small populations Durham (v.c.66) follows the former course of of Cochlearia officinalis (Common Scurvy- the river as it was before the construction of grass), Plantago maritima (Sea Plantain) and the Mandale Cut, and this original line was Puccinellia maritima (Common Saltmarsh- marked by the 1st edition of the Ordnance grass), but now it is restricted to a few isolated Survey (1856-1865). The line of the county stands in brackish backwaters of the main boundary was changed in the early 20th river course. It seems probable that up-river century to follow the straightened course of populations of all these halophyte species will the river, but although these changes from the continue to contract their distribution in the original were noted by Reverend Gordon Tees corridor due to the progressive desalini- Graham in The flora & vegetation of County Durham (1988:25), records from the area were 22 Notes – Some impacts of the Tees Barrage on the local flora of Teesside not included on account of accessibility species: Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard), problems. Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley), Apium The marginal habitats of the river upstream nodiflorum (Fool’s Watercress), Barbarea from the barrage on the north bank, once vulgaris (Common Wintergreen), Calystegia fragmentary salt-marshes, have become one of sepium (Hedge Bindweed), Carex pendula, the best localities in the county to see Carex otrubae, Carex remota (Remote Oenanthe crocata (Hemlock Water-drop- Sedge), Cerastium fontanum (Common wort), which dominates a narrow marginal Mouse-ear), Heracleum mantegazzianum strip for some 100m upstream from the (Giant Hogweed), Hesperis matronalis northern end of the Teesside Water Sports (Dame’s-violet), Impatiens glandulifera, Complex (NZ458191). Associates include Lysimachia vulgaris, Oenanthe crocata, Poa Carex otrubae (False Fox-sedge), Carex trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass), Prunella pendula (Pendulous Sedge), Epilobium vulgaris (Self-heal), Rumex obtusifolius hirsutum (Great Willowherb), Filipendula (Broad-leaved Dock), Smyrnium olusatrum, ulmaria (Meadowsweet), Impatiens glandu- Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle), and lifera (Himalayan Balsam), Lysimachia Urtica dioica. Those species highlighted in vulgaris (Yellow Loosestrife), Scrophularia bold are key species established in the auriculata (Water Figwort), Smyrnium olusa- Oenanthe crocata community. trum (Alexanders) and Urtica dioica (Nettle). A comparison of the distribution maps of To understand the composition of this plant species published by Graham (1988) and The community, one must make recourse to a basic flora of North-east England (www.botanical comprehension of the structure of the barrage keys.co.uk/northumbria) indicates that species and its maintenance. The primary functional such as Hesperis matronalis, Lysimachia component of the barrage is a tidal weir, vulgaris and Oenanthe crocata have extended comprising four bottom-hinged, fish-belly, their distribution downstream in the lower flap gates, each 13.5m wide and 8m high, reaches of the Tees within hectad NZ41. The which must remain free-flowing and free from records for Carex remota, Carex pendula and blockage at all times. After heavy falls of rain Smyrnium olusatrum, however, are new for in the hills and the ensuing rapid rises in river NZ41 and their transport by the flotsam trunks level, trunks and branches of several tree has clearly been from further upstream. In species – predominantly Salix fragilis (Crack addition, the effects of a greater frequency of Willow) are washed down river and deposited tidal inundation in the Old Tees and the devel- on the northern Tees bank by the prevailing opment of salt-marshes have confirmed older, south-westerly winds. In order to avoid a log pre 1986 records for Aster tripolium, Plantago jam at the barrage, the British Waterways maritima, Puccinellia maritima and Board employs a staff of seven labourers to Triglochin maritimum (Sea Arrow-grass) in remove this natural flotsam and stockpile it on the tetrads NZ4616 and NZ4618, which the southern bank (NZ461189). The peak of include salt-marsh in both v.c.62 and v.c.66. activity is from late April to the end of May, One marginal, upper salt-marsh sward which during which period personal observations is only inundated by spring and autumn neap over the past four years have suggested that tides and is dominated by the latter three one of the main mechanisms of dispersal species, is actually mown as an amenity grass- downstream of many species in the marginal land from May to August. Oenanthe crocata community is as colonists Reference: of the mud-encrusted trunks of floating trees. GRAHAM, G.G. (1988). The flora and vegeta- From observations made from May 2007 to tion of County Durham, Watsonian vice- June 2010 passim, on floating trunks on the county 66. Durham Flora Committee & north bank and in the south bank stockpile, the Durham County Conservation Trust, floristic assemblage comprised the following Durham. Notes – Possible over-recording in the New atlas revealed by Norfolk Flora Group recording 23

Possible over-recording in the New atlas revealed by Norfolk Flora Group recording 2000-2009 BOB LEANEY, 122 Norwich Road, Wroxham, Norfolk, NR12 8SA A flora of Norfolk (Beckett, Bull & Steven- In the case of Prunus domestica (Wild Plum) son), published in 1999, was widely praised and Symphytum officinale (Common for the completeness of its recording methods, Comfrey) the dot maps show a similar density based on systematic tetrad recording. Every in surrounding counties, and here the over- tetrad in the county was covered at least once recording that seems to have occurred in over a period of 12 years, some several times, Norfolk may well have occurred elsewhere. and the results were presented in the form of In both these taxa, authorities on the species tetrad maps using DMAP, besides providing have suggested over-recording - D.J. McCosh the bulk of the Norfolk records for the New in a general sense for Prunus domestica (under atlas (Preston, Pearman & Dines, 2002). P. cerasifera in the New atlas, 2002), and F.H. The Norfolk Flora Group has continued Perring, specifically for Norfolk, for systematic tetrad recording, and numerous Symphytum officinale (pers. comm.). other visits all over the county, during the ten Another factor leading to over-recording years since 1999. These further surveys have would seem to be the policy of accepting suggested four examples of over-recording, records for common species from inexperi- and it is the purpose of this article to deal with enced botanists. Such botanists are very likely these four cases, and also to speculate on the to be led astray by the standard vernacular reasons why this over-recording happened. names, assuming that the ‘Common Comfrey’ Why suspect over-recording? is the scarce S. officinale, or that the usual Over-recording was, of course, mainly ‘Wild Plum’ is P. domestica and not P. ceras- suggested by the fact that we found much ifera! Perhaps occasional problems like this fewer sites for these four taxa than would be are inevitable if one is going to obtain really expected from the 1999 Norfolk Flora and detailed distribution maps for the commoner New atlas maps. One has to be wary in taxa in this way. making this assumption, because a taxon can Another caveat is the fact that unusually be very scarce and still have the same number complete recording could in itself suggest of dots on the map as a common taxon, over-recording where there is none. If especially at the hectad level. However, in surrounding vice-counties are at the time less these four cases we have found virtually no completely recorded, this could produce an sites at all since 2000, and in all four cases anomalous looking map, and very complete there are other reasons to suspect over-record- coverage, using a few hundred recorders, ing. could also produce out of the way records that With Salix cinerea (Grey Willow) ssp. would take subsequent surveys many years to oleifolia and Sedum forsterianum (Rock turn up again. However, whereas the gradual Stonecrop) over-recording was also very turning up of such records has cast (slight) strongly suggested by anomalous looking doubt on suspicions of over-recording in some distributions in the national atlas, distributions other instances (e.g. Trifolium dubium (Lesser not explained by special habitat or climatic Trefoil) as T. campestre (Hop Trefoil)) this factors - and especially in the former case also has very much not happened in these four by an obviously ‘artefactual’ straight cases. boundary for distribution between E. and W. Finally, in Sedum forsterianum and Salix Norfolk (and also between E. and W. Suffolk, cinerea ssp. oleifolia, local misconceptions as where the Norfolk Flora Group did a lot of to status and identification, going back over recording in the north of the county). several generations, could also be factors in 24 Notes – Possible over-recording in the New atlas revealed by Norfolk Flora Group recording over-recording. In the former case, statements with none of the 40 odd tetrads further north as far back as 1901 that S. forsterianum was and east being confirmed. In E. Norfolk abundant in Norfolk (Geldart, in Petch & (v.c.27) only one of the 53 tetrads for 1999 has Swann, 1968) still held sway a hundred years been confirmed, at Hickling, with another later. With the Salix, over-reaction to an reliable new record for Strumpshaw. Both of absolute statement that this taxon was these were in the same sort of fen or dyke-side completely absent from Norfolk may have sites found in the far west of the county - the resulted in over-recording in the east (v.c.27) only other two records since 1999, from more and under-recording in the west (v.c.28). A ‘upland’ areas, are now considered a little few examples of misidentification like this dubious (R. Ellis pers. comm.). probably occur in most counties, but will not I feel certain this discrepancy is partly due to necessarily be evident in vice-counties where the inappropriate vernacular name for S. offic- recording is less complete. inale (‘Common Comfrey’), and the fact that Mis-recording of Symphytum ×uplandicum records for commoner species were accepted as S. officinale for the flora (and the national atlas) from The tetrad map for S. officinale in the 1999 inexperienced botanists who simply assumed flora of Norfolk appears to show this species the common plant (S. ×uplandicum) to be this as much more widespread and abundant in the species. It may also be relevant that one of the county than is, in fact, the case. Tetrad dots most widely used field guides during tetrad are closely spaced over almost the whole recording in the 80s and 90s for the Norfolk county, whereas Franklyn Perring (pers. flora and national atlas (Keble Martin, 1965) comm.) was of the opinion that it has always had illustrations for the genotypes of S. offici- been restricted to the extreme S.W. of the nale with both creamy-white and deep purple county bordering the fens, and that it was flowers (the latter much like those of “more or less confined to fens and river S. ×uplandicum), but did not illustrate banks” (Critical supplement to the atlas of the S. ×uplandicum, the commoner taxon all over British flora, 1968). The hectad map in the the country, at all. It is easy to see how an New atlas of 2002 shows much the same inexperienced botanist could simply take any distribution as the Norfolk flora map. purple flowered comfrey as S. officinale. Franklyn Perring’s view has been supported It is possible also that the odd population of by N.F.G. surveys in the ten years since 1999. S. ×uplandicum may have been misidentified During these surveys we have found hundreds as S. officinale because of winging extending of sites for S. ×uplandicum all over the county, the whole length of the internodes. Such and nearly all on road verges, but finds for S. plants are occasionally found, presumably due officinale have been virtually restricted to a to introgression with S. officinale, but the ones few relict fens and a few dyke banks in ‘fen I have found are otherwise very typical of country’, on the S.W. borders of the county, S. ×uplandicum in other respects, with and nearby. In the east (v.c.27) the v.c. extremely large, stiff, dark green, bristly recorder and I have only recorded the species leaves, and with the dark black-purple buds once. I have been living for 25 years on top of and violet purple open corolla of the 2n = 36 eight 1999 tetrads without seeing it once in the genotype found in our region (see Perring, in area. Rich & Jermy, 1998). In 1999 W. Norfolk (v.c.28) had 113 tetrads All the colonies of S. officinale found by the for S. officinale, around two thirds on the edge N.F.G. since 1999 have had creamy-white of the fens, or along river valleys draining flowers, indicating either ssp. bohemicum (2n westwards into the Fens (mainly the Little = 24), or var. ochroleucom of ssp. officinale Ouse and Nar). Since 1999 we have (2n = 48). Perring stated that ssp. bohemicum confirmed S. officinale in 18 of these tetrads, is the form found in Cambridgeshire and and all ‘re-finds’ were in this catchment area, Huntingdonshire, almost confined to relict Notes – Possible over-recording in the New atlas revealed by Norfolk Flora Group recording 25 fen, so this is probably our plant. The carmine green twig character needs careful interpreta- flowered form of ssp. officinale, with flower tion, for it is not present in all twigs, and even colour more likely to be mistaken for then it is often to be found only on the shaded S. ×uplandicum, we have never found in under-surface of the twig. Thirdly, confusion Norfolk, and I do not think we could miss it - is compounded by there being two distinct S. officinale is a much less robust, paler green fruit colours - either a uniform dark yellow, or and more softly hairy plant than an equally uniform dark red, both types being S. ×uplandicum. opaque rather than translucent in appearance. Our experience in Norfolk would suggest The trees on which these different coloured that the remark in the New atlas that S. offici- fruits occur appear vegetatively identical. nale is still over-recorded for S. ×uplandicum Once one ties up these characters at different is very much correct, and is likely to apply to times of the year in the same trees one begins much of the country. Across the rest of to realise how different P. cerasifera is from England it is interesting that the overall distri- the other plums in “jizz”, so that one can bution of S. officinale is exactly the same as identify it on vegetative features alone. that of S. ×uplandicum, something one would Compared with P. domestica, the branches of not expect given their different habitat require- P. cerasifera are much more fine and graceful, ments. Furthermore, the dots are equally with long internodes and slenderer and more dense in all lowland areas except for four very flexible terminal twigs, along with thinner- obvious gaps corresponding to v.c. boundaries textured, more narrowly obovate-elliptic (Cheshire, S.E. Yorks, N.E. Yorks. and E. leaves. Being able to recognise this appear- Kent) – could these be the vice counties where ance, without flowers and fruit, and check it the determination has been correct? It would quickly by looking for at least part-green first seem very likely that a large number (possibly year twigs, shows to my mind that nearly all the great majority) of records in the New atlas ‘wild plums’ in Norfolk are P. cerasifera, for S. officinale relate, in fact, to even when they grow in yearly clipped hedges S. ×uplandicum, as we have found in Norfolk. without flowering or fruiting. In our county at Mis-recording of Prunus cerasifera as least it was obviously much favoured for P. domestica hedging by farmers and landowners a century Although not so clear cut, there has been a or two ago, and more recently by local author- similar discrepancy noticeable between ities for planting around the edges of towns records for P. domestica in the 1999 Norfolk and villages. Self-sown trees along country flora and the New atlas, and subsequent roads and tracks are also quite frequent. records, during tetrad and other surveys. Both Prunus domestica ssp. domestica, on the maps show an almost complete distribution in other hand, is found quite infrequently, and every hectad of the county, whereas in fact we mainly in obvious plantings near habitation, or find it, in the wild, very infrequently indeed. on old garden sites, not qualifying for wild In contrast, we find P. cerasifera (Cherry status. It is very much less common as a Plum) in a wild situation on virtually every human dispersed fruit tree than the apple, tetrad survey. The early flowering of P. ceras- seldom used for rural hedge planting, and ifera and the green first year twig character hardly ever self-sows. Prunus domestica ssp. have been well known for some decades now, insititia (Bullace) is just as infrequent in a wild and were expected to prevent this species situation in the county and is in fact an being under-recorded. However, I do not extreme rarity in my experience. In getting on believe this has really happened for several for 200 tetrad surveys I personally have found reasons. it only once. I do know it in two hedges near Firstly, most botanical surveys do not begin my home, where I have found it in early April until April or May, by which time P. ceras- because of its very special jizz during ifera has finished flowering. Secondly, the flowering (see below). This is before our 26 Notes – Possible over-recording in the New atlas revealed by Norfolk Flora Group recording surveys begin, but these local bullaces are Brough, 2007) and those in the New Oxford equally conspicuous when fruiting in book of food plants (Vaughan & Geissler, September when surveying is still in full 1997). The photograph in the first of these swing, so I feel that we are not missing it to books is exactly the appearance of our Norfolk any degree. Bullaces with greenish to amber coloured There seems to have been a considerable fruit, but the text describes them as greenish amount of confusion about P. domestica ssp. purple! In the latter, two cultivars of ssp. insititia in floras and field guides, and not all insititia are described – ‘black bullace’, with of it, I feel, due to hybridisation with other purple fruits, and the ‘shepherd’s bullace’, forms of P. domestica (Stace, 2010). The where they are said to be greenish yellow, with various authorities disagree considerably, for an orange flush in the illustration, but without instance, on fruit colour, which is “blue-black the dark purple-red stippling. It would appear or purple” in Stella Ross-Craig (1979), blue- that the Norfolk bullaces are of this variety. black in the Keble-Martin (1965) illustration, Sell (in: Sanford & Fiske, 2010) places these “purple or yellow” in Butcher (1961), “blue- greenish-yellow fruited plums under ssp. black or purple” in Clapham et al. (1962). and insititia var. syriaca (White Bullace) and the “amber coloured” in the 1999 Flora of purple-black fruited forms under var. nigra Norfolk! Interestingly, the latter is the only (Black Bullace). Alec Bull, in his excellent description that fits the three populations I review of this problem (Bull, 2000), calls the have seen. White Bullace of Sell the Yellow Bullace, and, The Norfolk bullaces I have found have like myself, wonders whether the purplish- much thicker and stiffer twigs, with shorter black fruited form could be a hybrid between internodes, than P. cerasifera, although less so the Yellow Bullace and Damson (ssp. insititia than in P. domestica ssp. domestica. The twig var. damascena) or Prunus spinosa. ends are minutely and densely hairy, and I would suggest that the whole P. domestica occasional spines may be present on vegeta- group has been grossly over-recorded in tive shoots. The flowers are noticeably larger Norfolk, mainly for P. cerasifera. The v.c.27 than those of P. cerasifera, and with markedly recorder, Bob Ellis, feels that the over-re- overlapping petals (cup shaped rather than star cording could be for P. ×fruticans (P. domes- like). Most especially they have short pedicels tica × P. spinosa) and he may be right in part. and occur in groups of (1-) 4-6 to form I have only seen P. spinosa like plums with conspicuous masses separated by bare inter- larger fruits (which I take to be either this nodes. The inflorescences are thus very hybrid or P. spinosa f. macrocarpa) on a very different from the long, loose, frothy terminal few occasions, but I may be overlooking it. inflorescences of P. spinosa (Blackthorn), or Whatever it has been over-recorded for, all the scattered flowers in ones or twos found in forms of P. domestica sensu lato seem to me P. cerasifera or P. domestica ssp. domestica. to be extremely scarce in Norfolk in situations On occasions the terminal inflorescences also normally defined as wild. P. domestica ssp. have extremely long and regularly-arranged insititia var. syriaca does occur in hedges and spines, much longer than those in P. spinosa. can be recorded as wild, but extremely The leaves are more broadly elliptical or scarcely. I have only seen P. domestica ssp. obovate than those of P. cerasifera, and insititia var. damascena (Damson) on two thicker in texture. The fruits are translucent occasions, in non-hedge plantings, and ssp. greenish yellow, but with an orange flush on italica (Greengage) once, again in a planted the sun-exposed surface, stippled with dark situation. P. domestica ssp. domestica occurs purple red dots. more often but almost always in obvious The only illustrations that fit the Norfolk plantings, as already described. Prunus ceras- bullace fruit colour are those in Wildflowers of ifera is a widely distributed hedge constituent Britain and northern Europe (Gibbons & all over the county and when local people talk Notes – Possible over-recording in the New atlas revealed by Norfolk Flora Group recording 27

(as they still do) of “picking bullaces”, this is narrower, less inflated and more crowded what they mainly mean, in my opinion. I leaves in the pre-flowering clusters. The doubt if they are distinguishing the Yellow leaves had strictly flattened upper surfaces and Bullace from the commoner yellow fruited the ‘tassels’ were more shortly cylindrical or form of P. cerasifera. ‘spherical’ with more cut-off tops. The dead Mis-recording of Sedum rupestre as S. forst- leaves usually described were on the stalk erianum beneath the tassel, not mixed in with the live The New atlas shows an apparently anoma- ones. lous distribution for S. forsterianum, with a Could it be that the recorded frequency of concentration of 13 hectads records in E. S. forsterianum in E. Norfolk is genuine and Norfolk (v.c.27) and then an extremely thin due to the unusually large numbers of church- distribution elsewhere in S. E. and central yards and kerbed graves we have in the regions (one or two dots per v.c.) until the county? This would beg the question as to mainly native population begins in the border why it is virtually absent from W. Norfolk. country, Wales, and Devon. What could be Furthermore, I have visited around 300 the explanation of this? churchyards, most in E. Norfolk, and now My interest arose because I have always realise that I only found it once, although found it difficult to be sure that what I thought S. rupestre is frequent. were plants of Sedum rupestre (Reflexed Petch and Swann (1968) talked of S. forst- Stonecrop) were not in fact S. forsterianum. erianum being “locally common in hedgerows This situation commonly occurs where there in E. Norfolk”, with no mention of church- are two similar species, one extremely scarce yards or walls at all, mentioning reports from in one’s area, which have overlapping charac- 1901 and 1915 of it “taking possession of a ters difficult to interpret - one often does not large tract of land miles square”, or of being know which of the two one has for sure, “extraordinarily abundant”. Although it is despite careful use of keys, until one is shown conceivable that this species was once so the rare species and realises (usually) that it is abundant, but has died out due to eutrophica- actually much more different than one tion, why should a plant thought to be a native suspected! of wetter western regions of the U.K. be Once I was shown S. forsterianum by Bob common on dry banks at the other climatic Ellis (v.c.27 recorder), who has it in his extreme? There are no reports of S. forst- garden, I realised that virtually all the large erianum being common in the past in the yellow-flowered stonecrops I had been seeing, floras of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, mainly on churchyard walls and kerbed Suffolk or Essex. graves, but also occasionally on road banks, E. Norfolk has 16 new or old hectad records were S. rupestre, and that I had seldom seen for S. forsterianum in the New atlas compared S. forsterianum. with only one or two in the other vice-counties Contrary to standard descriptions, of E. Anglia and the Midlands, and compared S. rupestre can have ‘tassels’ of sterile leaves, with only four in the first Atlas map. The New usually long and cylindrical, but very short atlas describes a “considerable increase in and ‘spherical’ at certain stages of growth, and records since the 1962 Atlas”, but this increase on occasions with somewhat flat tops. is vastly less outside v.c.27. Moreover, the leaves are not strictly terete, as All this suggested over-recording of often described, but have a slightly flattened S. rupestre for S. forsterianum, both around a upper surface, and a few dead leaves can occur hundred years ago and recently, so I decided occasionally just below or in the tassels. The to check the only three v.c.27 records with specimen of S. forsterianum given to me grid references. To my surprise, I confirmed differed not so much in these usual characters, all three as S. forsterianum, one on a kerbed but in being strikingly less robust with much grave and two on very poor steep road banks! 28 Notes – Possible over-recording in the New atlas revealed by Norfolk Flora Group recording

It is very difficult to tie all this conflicting at the beginning of the last century and thus evidence together, and plainly any conclu- could still be more common now than sions will be speculative. However, I would elsewhere. The anomalous looking map could suggest that S. forsterianum, when spreading also be due partly to under-recording in eastwards from its more natural rock and scree surrounding vice-counties with less systematic sites in Wales and the South-west, could have tetrad recording. found especially congenial habitats in Norfolk Mis-recording of Salix cinerea ssp. cinerea because of the enormous number of church- as ssp. oleifolia yards in the county, and possibly also because The map for S. cinerea ssp. oleifolia in the of a vogue for kerbed graves - it could even New atlas is, on the face of it, very indicative have been introduced with the granite of over-recording in v.c.27, as well as in the chippings these tend to be covered with north of v.c.25 (E. Suffolk), where the N.F.G. (Clement & Foster, 1994: xii) – for instance helped recording for the new Suffolk flora. from the southern edge of Dartmoor, one of its There is a confluent distribution in these areas, strongholds. From churchyards, and also as an and a straight line cut off at the v.c. boundaries escape from garden rockeries as elsewhere in with W. Norfolk and W. Suffolk, which shows the east, it could have spread to the numerous at least a difference of opinion between v.c. very tall steep sided road banks we have in the recorders. There are only occasional hectads NE of the county. in W. Norfolk and W. Suffolk, and relatively One also has to ask whether N.E. Norfolk few also in Cambridgeshire and S. Lincoln- could have held a relict native population of shire - further west it becomes the predomi- S. forsterianum, due to its unusually light, acid nant ssp. over the whole of the U.K. soils and steep dry banks. A number of The 1999 Norfolk flora does not map the bryophytes largely confined in our region to two ssp. separately but mentions that ssp. N.E. Norfolk are considered to be native, and oleifolia “appears to be the commonest taxon not present for many hundreds of miles to the in E. Norfolk”, and ssp. cinerea in the west. It west because the soils in this area are either is conceivable that ssp. oleifolia could be more ‘boulder clay’ drift deposits or derived from common in E. Norfolk because of an unusual limestones or chalk (R. Stevenson, pers. amount of suitable habitat, with several large comm.). Could a similar thing have happened areas of heath as well as numerous fens and with S. forsterianum? river valleys – ssp. oleifolia tends to be a plant It is interesting to note that a similar isolated of drier and more acidic sites, including area of heathy vegetation and very light acid hedgerows and woodland edge (Meikle, soils, again surrounded mainly by clayey or 1984). Among the thousands of sites for chalky soils, is to be found in Surrey, another S. cinerea, even a tiny percentage of ssp. centre of population in the New atlas for oleifolia could yield a fairly general distribu- S. forsterianum (British Geological Survey/ tion on a hectad map, although one would N.E.R.C., 2007). This is again considered to expect the distribution to be on the more acidic be non-native, but the populations considered soils of N.E. Norfolk, not so much south of to be native in the U.K. are also disjunct, with Norwich. concentrations on the Welsh borders, Exmoor Several hundred further tetrad surveys of and Dartmoor. On the continent the presumed these areas in the last ten years have only native population is similarly disjunct, with turned up two examples of ssp. oleifolia. two patches in Brittany, and one in the hilly These plants had extremely narrow, oblanceo- S.W. border area of Germany, well to the east late leaves with only obscurely undulate-ser- of the Norfolk population (Fitter, 1978). rate edges and a very dark green lustrous Whether native or alien, it is possible that upper surface (looking much like a leaf of S. forsterianum (and not S. rupestre) was holm oak), with a scanty rusty indumentum indeed “extremely abundant” in N.E. Norfolk beneath. These specimens were confirmed by

Notes – Possible over-recording in the New atlas revealed by Norfolk Flora Group recording 29

R.D. Meikle as typical of ssp. oleifolia, and it during this period confirmed examples of seems very unlikely that we have been missing S. ×forbyana, S. ×mollissima, S. ×caloden- this ssp. because it was so strikingly different dron, S. ×holosericea, S. ×rubens and from the usual form in the vice-county. Every S. ×multinervis, amongst others. other specimen I have seen in the last 30 years There has clearly been a major difference in has had the markedly undulate-serrate edges opinion on the determination of ssp. oleifolia and dull grey-green upper surface character- between the various botanists involved in this istic of ssp. cinerea, which is the ssp. charac- region, over 50 years or so of recording. The teristic of East Anglia. statement by Petch and Swann (1968) that It is true that the rusty hairs usually said to S. atrocinerea (= ssp. oleifolia) “does not be diagnostic can be difficult to find, needing occur in Norfolk” continued to hold sway in a 20× lens and good light for confirmation, W. Norfolk (v.c.28) until the New atlas and and that one also has to look late in the year, perhaps did lead to some lack of awareness of certainly after July and even as late as October the taxon, or rejection of records (both authors (R.D. Meikle & J. Webb, pers. comm.). The were from the west). This statement was translucent hairs, present mainly on the veins, clearly wrong, but the handful of hectad only show up as coppery coloured when the records for W. Norfolk in the New atlas is light shines through them. On the other hand much closer to the experience of Bob Ellis and the leaf under-surface can look orangey or myself than the hundreds of tetrads and scores rusty to the naked eye without rusty hairs of hectads recorded by Alec Bull for E. being present - sometimes due to orange waste Norfolk, and by Martin Sanford for Suffolk. pigment in the underlying vascular tissue, or The only explanation I can see for this discrep- due to tiny spots of rust fungus. ancy is that hybrids of ssp. oleifolia (mainly The presence of rusty hairs is anyway not × ssp. cinerea) are being recorded as the pure enough on its own to make the determination. subspecies due to over emphasis on the rusty The two subspecies hybridise freely and many hair character. examples of S. cinerea with rusty hairs will be The three examples I have seen have all been hybrids, not pure ssp. oleifolia (R.D. Meikle initially identified because of their completely and J. Webb, pers. comm.). To determine the different jizz. They were not necessarily tree- pure ssp. one needs the characteristic leaf like, but the leaves were strikingly narrow, colour and shape described above, and these dark green and shiny from a distance - nothing are also the spotting characters. like ssp. cinerea at all, and more like a I would suggest that these factors have led to different species altogether. Looking for rusty substantial over-recording of ssp. oleifolia in hairs on sallows with broadly obovate, dull E. Norfolk and adjacent N.E. Suffolk in the grey, undulate-edged leaves is likely to result New atlas, with the trend continuing in A flora in over-recording of ssp. oleifolia. of Suffolk (Sanford & Fiske, 2010). This has Conclusions 19 hectad records for E. Suffolk (v.c.25) and One hopes that this review of four possibly 17 for W. Suffolk (v.c.26), very similar to the over-recorded taxa for Norfolk (v.c.27 and 30 in E. Norfolk (v.c.27) in the New atlas. v.c.28) in the New atlas will lead to better Sanford regards ssp. oleifolia (147 tetrads in recording for these taxa in other vice-counties. the whole of Suffolk) as “not as well recorded The factors thought responsible for over-re- as ssp. cinerea” (347 tetrads), and likely to be cording in these cases might also be operating “at least as common”. In contrast, the present for other taxa, both in Norfolk and elsewhere. v.c.27 recorder, Bob Ellis, and I have found only two examples of the subspecies in E. The main conclusions are as follows: - Norfolk, and one in N.E. Suffolk in the ten 1. Symphytum officinale years since the New atlas! This is despite Of the 51 tetrad and 25 hectad dots for 1999 in taking a special interest in Salix, and finding v.c.27 (E. Norfolk), the v.c. recorder and I feel 30 Notes – Possible over-recording in the New atlas revealed by Norfolk Flora Group recording only one is definite. This and one new record 3. Sedum forsterianum are both in fen situations in the Broads area. It is possible that the anomalous looking map In v.c.28 (W. Norfolk) S. officinale has been in the New atlas can be explained as the confirmed as fairly frequent, but seems very remains of a large population of S. forsteri- much restricted to fens and dyke edges in the anum reported as taking over “square miles” extreme south-west. Around a third of the in N.E. Norfolk a hundred years ago. The 1999 records for further N. and E. in the vice- trouble is that there was at the time much county were probably actually S. ×upland- taxonomic confusion between this species and icum. The species has clearly been grossly what we at present call S. rupestre, so this over-recorded due to confusion with population could have been S. rupestre. The S. ×uplandicum, except in the extreme S.W. of area would have provided unusually suitable the county bordering the Fens. The reasons I habitat for either species, with a unique feel are, firstly, the misleading vernacular concentration of churchyards with curbed name of ‘Common Comfrey’, secondly the graves and other stonework, as well as very acceptance of records from inexperienced bot- steep, high road banks on light soils. anists, and lastly lack of awareness of the fact Nowadays S. rupestre is by far the that this species in our region always has pale commonest of the two species in Norfolk, creamy-white flowers. For the reasons pre- including the north-east, but nearly all sites are sented, I feel that quite gross over-recording on stonework or other artificial sites, and has probably occurred over much of the U.K. when it does occur on road banks it never in 2. The Prunus domestica group my experience takes over large areas. The Botanists in Norfolk, as elsewhere I am sure, only two large road bank colonies I have seen seem much at odds over the status of this have been of S. forsterianum. A check with the taxon. There are some who regard non-flow- v.c. recorders for the main native population ering P. domestica as fairly common in of S. forsterianum (v.cc.40, 43 & 47) showed frequently cut hedges, whereas I feel that the that both species occur almost exclusively on vast majority of plums can be identified rocky substrates, but that it is S. forsterianum vegetatively as P. cerasifera. More signifi- that occasionally colonises grassy banks. cant, perhaps, are differences in opinion as to Unfortunately, we have grid references for when one should record P. domestica as only three sites, but all of these were occurring in the wild. In my view, nearly all confirmed, and two were large colonies on are on road verges in or around villages, in very dry road banks within a few miles of overgrown hedges of old gardens, edges of Southrepps. It was on a herbarium sheet for a village greens and so on. It is often a matter of specimen from this village that Geldart noted opinion as to whether such sites should be that S. forsterianum had “taken possession of recorded as wild. a tract of land some miles square”. Despite these doubts, it is my personal belief We will never know, but it is entirely that the P. domestica group has been much possible that, rather than being over-recorded over-recorded in Norfolk, and probably in the in v.c.27, S. forsterianum was indeed very U.K. generally, except perhaps where plums common on N.E. Norfolk road banks a have been commercially planted. Over-re- hundred years ago, either as an alien, finding cording has been mostly due to continuing unusually suitable man-made habitats, or as a confusion with P. cerasifera in my opinion, disjunct native population. The concentration although confusion with P. ×fruticosa is also of records in the New atlas could be the possible. In Norfolk P. cerasifera is by far the remains of such a large population that has commonest plum found regularly in hedges, been disappearing due to eutrophication. and self-sowing into wild situations. 4. Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia The New atlas map has 40 new hectad dots for this taxon in E. Norfolk (v.c.27) and the north Notes – Possible over-recording in the New atlas revealed by Norfolk Flora Group recording 31

half of E. Suffolk (v.c.25), and then a total of BULL, A.L. (2000) ‘What is a Bullace?’ BSBI only 17 dots in all for the south half of v.c.25, News, 83: 28-29. W. Norfolk (v.c.28), W. Suffolk (v.c.26) and CLAPHAM, A.R., TUTIN, T.G. & WARBURG, the eastern half of Cambridgeshire (v.c.29). E.F. (1962). Flora of the British Isles (2nd This anomalous-looking concentration of ed.). CUP, Cambridge. records in the N.E. corner of East Anglia has CLEMENT, E.J. & FOSTER, M.C. (1998). Alien not been confirmed by Bob Ellis or myself in plants of the British Isles. BSBI, London. the ten years since the New atlas – between us FITTER, A. (1978). An atlas of the wildflowers we have only found three examples of this of Britain and northern Europe. Collins, taxon, two in E. Norfolk and one in N.E. London. Suffolk, all confirmed, and all strikingly GIBBONS, B. & BROUGH, P. (2007). Wild different in appearance and difficult to miss. flowers of Britain and northern Europe. In my opinion there has been enormous Philips, London. over-recording of ssp. oleifolia in E. Norfolk, GIBBONS, E.J. (1975). The flora of Lincoln- and in Suffolk, probably due to over-reliance shire. Lincolnshire Naturalists’ Union, on the rusty hair character, resulting in hybrids Lincoln. between the two subspecies being recorded as JERMYN, S.T. (1974). Flora of Essex. Essex pure ssp. oleifolia. I feel that existing records Naturalists’ Trust, Colchester. for ssp. oleifolia for E. Norfolk and Suffolk KEBLE-MARTIN, W. (1965). The concise should be re-assessed, and any new suspected British flora in colour. George Rainbird, ssp. oleifolia sent to the referee. London. Acknowledgements: MEIKLE, R.D. (1984). Willows and poplars of I should like to thank Gillian Beckett and Alec Great Britain & Ireland. BSBI Handbook Bull (former recorders for v.c.28 & v.c.27) for No 4. BSBI, London. all I have learnt from them over 20 years, both PERRING, F.H, SELL, P.D., WALTERS, S.M. & in the field and from their flora, and would WHITEHOUSE, H.L.K. (1964). A flora of invite their comments, and those of Martin Cambridgeshire. CUP, Cambridge. Sanford, recorder for Suffolk (v.c.25 & v.c.26). PRESTON, C.D., PEARMAN, D.A. & DINES, Bob Ellis (present v.c.27 recorder) has helped T.D. (2002). New atlas of the British & Irish with records and numerous discussions on this flora. OUP, Oxford. article, and largely agrees with my conclusions, PETCH, C.P. & SWANN, E.L. (1968). Flora of except for those regarding the P. domestica Norfolk. Jarrold, Norwich. group, which he regards, probably rightly, as a PERRING, F.H. (ed). (1968). Critical supple- “can of worms”! Finally, I would like to thank ment to the atlas of the British flora. Thomas Dr S.J. Whild, Mrs S.M. Spencer, and Dr A.K. Nelson & Sons, London for the BSBI. Thorne (recorders for v.c.40, v.c.43 & v.c.47) RICH, T.C.G. & JERMY, A.C. (1998) Plant and Alex Lockton, for help with the status of Crib 1998. BSBI, London. Sedum forsterianum in their area, and Jeanne ROSS-CRAIG, S. (1979). Drawings of British Webb and Desmond Meikle for determining plants (Vol. 3). Bell & Hyman, London. numerous Salix specimens. SANFORD, M.N. & FISKE, R.J. (2010). A flora of Suffolk. D.K. & M.N. Sanford, Ipswich. References: SIMPSON, F.W. (1982). Simpson’s flora of BECKETT, G., BULL, A.L. & STEVENSON, R. Suffolk. Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, (1999). A flora of Norfolk. Privately Ipswich. published. STACE, C.A. (2010). New flora of the British BRITISH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY/N.E.R.C. Isles. (3rd ed.). CUP, Cambridge. (2007). Bedrock geology: U.K. South. VAUGHAN, J.G. & GEISSLER, C. (1997). The B.G.S./N.E.R.C., Nottingham. new Oxford book of food plants. OUP, BUTCHER, R.W. (1961). A new illustrated Oxford. British flora. Leonard Hill, London. 32 Notes – British trees associated with Cephalanthera longifolia

British trees associated with Cephalanthera longifolia (L.) Fritsch R. HEDLEY, 3 Britten Road, Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, PO13 9JU; ([email protected]) Bidartondo and Read (2008) showed that the with the orchid were noted. In Wyre Forest, development of the helleborines Cephalan- Worcestershire (v.c.37), five sites were noted thera longifolia (Narrow-leaved Helleborine) which were dominated by Quercus petraea and Cephalanthera damasonium (White Helle- (Sessile Oak). Oversley Wood, Warwickshire borine) at Chappett’s Copse in the Hampshire (v.c.39) had Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak), Downs depended on Fagus sylvatica (Beech). Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Populus The link between tree and orchid is through tremula (Aspen), Betula pubescens (Downy ectomycorrhizal fungi feeding on the roots of Birch), Corylus avellana (Hazel) and Pinus the Beech. These fungi have a mutualistic sylvestris (Scots Pine). Brough, Cumbria relationship with the Beech tree, bringing in (v.c.69) had Fraxinus excelsior (Ash), Corylus nitrogen and phosphorus, and in return receiv- avellana, and Crateagus monogyna. ing photosynthetic metabolites from the tree. A survey for Plantlife (Dines, 2005), The orchid feeds on the Beech root fungi, indicated three sites (of four C. longifolia sites indirectly drawing food from the Beech tree. in Wales) with Quercus petraea, Corylus It has been shown that there are a very avellana and Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) as the restricted number of species of Beech root most frequent trees. Also one site at Newbor- fungi that are critical to the seedling stage of ough in Anglesey (v.c.52) had Pinus nigra and the orchid. These species all belong to the Pinus contorta (Lodgepole Pine). It was clear crust fungi genus Tomentella. One of the three from this evidence that C. longifolia is poten- species of Tomentella identified by DNA tially associated with a number of tree species fingerprinting is T. ramosissima, which was in Britain and that these associations deserve also shown to be growing on the roots of Pinus further investigation. nigra (Black Pine) at Newborough Warren, Method Anglesey. All fungi belonging to the genus A survey was carried out in May 2008 in non Tomentella are basidiomycetes (club fungi) Beech-dominated woodlands to establish the whose fruiting bodies are found on the under- range of tree species associated with C. longifo- side of fallen dead branches and bark. lia and ascertain if there are some clear candi- It was also found that not every Beech tree in dates among the canopy trees, which could be a wood has these critical fungi resident in the supporting the growth of C. longifolia. Survey- soil surrounding the roots. This relationship ors were asked to select ten orchids at least 30m between Beech tree, specific fungi and orchid apart, i.e., greater than the spread of the roots of goes a long way to explain the geographical a single canopy tree, and to measure: distribution of C. longifolia in the beech woods 1. Distance to the nearest woody perennial of southern England and to explaining why the 2. Distance to nearest canopy tree (which orchid is not found under or near every Beech may also be the nearest woody plant) tree, or in every Beech wood. It is very probable 3. Distance to nearest Beech tree that there are soil pH and drainage factors 4. Distance to the nearest pine tree involved. C. longifolia is not found associated 5. In each case, record the species involved. with Beech trees growing on sandy or loamy soils, such as those found in the New Forest. Records for four locations were received: th C. longifolia in Britain is not always found Wyre Forest (R. Winnall , 9 June 2008); th associated with Beech or Black Pine trees. Aberdovey (T. D. Dines, 13 July 2008); th Wheeler (1997) carried out a survey to establish Taynish (J. Halliday, 14 January 2009); th the British status of C. longifolia for Plantlife. Drimnin, (M. Brambell, 19 June 2008); rd In this survey the woodland trees associated Drimnin (G. Roberts, 23 January 2009) Notes – British trees associated with Cephalanthera longifolia 33

Results Site Species & number of nearest Species & number of Distance to Distance woody plants nearest canopy trees Beech if to pine if <30m. <30m. Wyre Fagus sylvatica (3)# F. sylvatica (3) 2, 3 & 8m. 1 at 29m. Forest Quercus petraea (7) Q. petraea (7) 1 at 13m 1 at 6m (v.c.37) Aberdovey Corylus avellana (4) C. avellana (4) (v.c.48) Ilex aquifolium (Holly) (2) T. cordata (1) Tilia cordata (Small-leaved Q. petraea(5) Lime) (1) Q .petraea (3)

Taynish * Q. petraea (10) Q. petraea (10) (v.c.102)

Drimnin Salix caprea (Goat Willow) (2) Quercus sp. (1) 1 at 28m. (v.c.97) T. cordata (1) T. cordata (2) Fraxinus excelsior (1) F. excelsior (5) C. avellana (7) Betula sp. (1) Aesculus hippocastanum Alnus glutinosa (Horse Chestnut) (1) (Alder) (2) A. hippocastanum (1) # The appended number is the recorded number of woody plant or tree species at any one location. * The results from Taynish were by email and stated that “there are no Beech trees at the three sites at Taynish, only Quercus petraea, but some of these may be hybrids with Q, robur”.

Discussion >120 rainy days a year; W17 has >1600mm a Evidence from the account of the Aberdovey year and >180 rainy days a year. site, and from the report on Taynish, indicate The rock types of both communities are that the west coast N.V.C. communities freely draining, but W11 produces a generally containing C. longifolia are either W11: less acid soil (pH 4-5) than W17. W17 woods Quercus petraea – Betula pubescens – Oxalis are generally on sandy rocks with pH <4. acetosella, at Aberdovey, or W17: Quercus The vegetation of W17 is characterised by petraea – Betula pubescens – Dicranum majus Calluna vulgaris (Heather) and Vaccinum woodland at Taynish. myrtillus (Bilberry), and an abundance of Comparing the distribution of C. longifolia mosses (Rodwell, ed.,1991). in the New atlas of British & Irish flora The Wyre Forest has a much lower rainfall, (Preston, Pearman & Dines, 2002) with but has very acid rocks with Heather and British plant communities (Rodwell, ed., Bilberry, and seems to be of the W17 type. 1991), indicates that 16 of the 18 hectads The Drimnin site has high rainfall, but is on which contain the orchid on the west coast of decayed basalt of the Morvern Hills which mainland Britain, also contain either W11 or gives a base-rich soil. W17 woodland. The results indicate that 22 of 42 samples of Q. petraea dominated woodlands are largely C. longifolia plants had Q. petraea as the confined to the west coast of Britain, with high nearest canopy tree. The second most rainfall and a large number of rainy days. frequent tree is Corylus avellana, with 11/42 W11 has >1000mm rainfall a year and <180 - as the nearest woody plant and 4/42 as the 34 Notes – British trees associated with Cephalanthera longifolia / Fumaria purpurea – the Orkney experience nearest canopy tree. It is highly likely that Further work is desirable, to establish Q. petraea and C. avellana are host trees for whether Q. petraea, Fagus sylvatica or Pinus C. longifolia, through the mycorrhizae on their nigra dependency are the only tree/C. longi- roots. C. avellana is frequently associated folia associations within Britain and whether with oak woods in the two identified the same fungi are involved in all tree-orchid woodland types, W11 and W17. Further associations. investigation is needed to find out if there are Acknowledgements: any C .longifolia/C. avellana locations which Thanks to Hampshire and Isle of Wight are independent of Q. petraea, Fagus Wildlife Trust for allowing an extensive sylvatica or other tree candidates. period of research on Chappett’s Copse There is a strong correlation between the Reserve, and to the following for supplying distribution of woodlands dominated by valuable information: Mike Brambell Q. petraea and the west British distribution of (Drimnin), Graham Roberts (Drimnin), C. longifolia. There must be other factors Trevor Dines (Aberdovey), Rosemary involved, as Q. petraea is not confined to the Winnall (Forest of Wyre), John Halliday west British coast. C. longifolia is essentially (Taynish), and Martin Bidartondo (Kew). a fringe of woodland or glade species (Hedley, 1998). Looking at the fringe References: woodland distribution of the orchid at BIDARTONDO, M.I. & READ, D.J. (2008). Aberdovey (Dines, 2008), and at Drimnin, it is ‘Fungal specificity bottlenecks during tempting to suggest that suitable ecotone orchid germination and development’. between woodland and fringe of seashore Molecular Ecology, 17: 3707-3716. pasture, roadside or loch is a critical factor DINES, T.D. (2005). ‘Plantlife Report, No.2’. and that this relationship does not exist in the In BSBI Welsh Bulletin 76. mixed Q. robur/Q. petraea woodlands away DINES, T.D. (2008). ‘The status of Cephalan- from the coast. thera longifolia in Merionethshire’. Plantlife Report. Conclusion HEDLEY, C.R.F. (1998). The flowering and There is strong circumstantial evidence that fruiting performance of Cephalanthera C. longifolia is dependent on the presence of longifolia. Hampshire Wildlife Trust. Q. petraea in most of its west British locations PRESTON, C.D. PEARMAN, D.A. & DINES, and that this relationship is principally found T.D. (2002). New atlas of the British & Irish in woodlands of the W11 and W17 type. It flora. OUP, Oxford. may be that there is an ectomycorrhizal fungus RODWELL, J.S. (ed.). (1991). British plant on the roots of Q. petraea that supports the communities, vol.1: Woodlands and scrub. development of the orchid seedlings in the CUP, Cambridge. same way that the fungus of the Beech trees of WHEELER, B. (1997). Cephalanthera longifo- southern England does. This would go a long lia in England. Plantlife Report, No. 89. way to explain the discontinuity between the southern locations and the west coast Q. petraea locations. Fumaria purpurea – the Orkney experience ERIC MEEK, RSPB, 12/14 North End Road, Stromness, Orkney, KW16 3AG; ([email protected]) JOHN CROSSLEY, North Flaws, South Ronaldsay, Orkney, KW17 2RW; ([email protected]) In his paper on cultivating fumitories (BSBI Fumaria purpurea (Purple Ramping-fumitory) News 116: 30-32), Andrew Shaw suggests that may be that, compared with other species in the one of the reasons for the marked decline in genus, it may have a short-lived seed bank that Notes – Fumaria purpurea – the Orkney experience / Ophrys apifera var. fulvofusca in Britain 35 prevents the species from ‘sitting out’ periods Our experience with the longevity of the of unfavourable habitat conditions. F. purpurea seed bank is very different from In the Orkney Islands, F. purpurea is still a that suggested by Shaw. For instance, at one widespread species and vies with F. muralis site in Orkney’s West Mainland, on the ssp. boraei (Common Ramping-fumitory) as Brodgar RSPB Reserve, F. purpurea appeared being the second commonest (after F. offici- when a field was ploughed after 23 years as nalis ssp. officinalis) of Orkney’s six Fumaria permanent grass. At another site on the island species. The scarcer species are F. bastardii of Egilsay, on the Onziebust RSPB Reserve, (Tall Ramping-fumitory), F. capreolata ssp. the species flourished after the ploughing of a babingtonii (White Ramping-fumitory) and field that local residents estimated had been F. densiflora (Dense-flowered Fumitory), the under grass for 40 years. latter being confined to the two islands of In the Orkney context, at least, F. purpurea Sanday and Stronsay. seems capable of surviving in a dormant state for long periods of time. Ophrys apifera var. fulvofusca in Britain LESLIE LEWIS, 4 Orchid Meadow, Pwllmeyric, Chepstow, Gwent, NP16 6HP LORNE EDWARDS, 14 Cromwell Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 0JQ Ophrys apifera Huds. (Bee Orchid) is distrib- shire (v.c.24) (P. Revell, pers. comm., 2011) uted widely across Europe into the Middle- (see inside front cover photo 1). Lang also East and is the most common British Ophrys. reported that “There does not appear to be any In its normal form, the labellum is dark or description of this variety in published litera- reddish-brown marked with a narrow horse- ture.” He therefore suggested the name shoe-shaped speculum surrounded by a yellow “Ophrys apifera var. atrofuscus” for this or yellowish-white border and with two variant but did not formally name it as such in yellowish spots below. However, O. apifera accordance with requirements of the Interna- variants are not infrequent and include a tional Code of Botanical Nomenclature. This number of named varieties. For example, varietal name is therefore a nomen nudum. Orchids of the British Isles by Foley & Clarke Nevertheless, Lang subsequently retained this (2005) lists the following varieties: var. trollii name in his book Britain’s orchids (2004), in (Hegetschw.) Rchb. f. (Wasp Orchid); var. which he re-described the variety as “The chlorantha (Hegetschw.) K.Richter; var. entire lip is a chocolate-brown, devoid of flavescens Rosbach; var. bicolor (O. Nägeli) markings” and illustrated it with the photo- E.Nelson; var. friburgensis Freyhold and var. graph previously used in his 2001 article. belgarum Turner Ettl.. In the January 2011 issue of BSBI News, N. In an article in BSBI News 88 (2001), D.C. Bailey reported the discovery of three abnormal Lang reported the discovery of a further spikes of Ophrys apifera at Weymouth, Dorset variant at Warnham, West Sussex (v.c.13). (v.c.9). She named these plants O. apifera var. This variant was described as having a atrofuscus in accordance with Lang’s suggested labellum which “lacked any of the normal nomenclature. However, she also commented: pattern of markings and was uniformly dark, “Internet searches revealed several references mahogany brown, a shade paler at the base” which use the name Ophrys apifera var. and was illustrated by two line drawings and a fulvafusca [sic.] rather than atrofuscus, but I photograph. He also noted that a similar plant have not found this name mentioned in any had been found in 1983 by P. Revell at Pitstone literature to date. The status of the name Hill, near Tring, Hertfordshire (v.c.20), fulvafusca [sic.] is currently unclear.” although it has since been realised that the In fact, the status of the name Ophrys apifera plant’s actual location was in Buckingham- var. fulvofusca is not unclear. The variant in 36 Notes – Ophrys apifera var. fulvofusca in Britain which the labellum has no pattern was validly In contrast, as pointed out by R.G. Mielcarek named as such by A. Scrugli & M.P. Grasso (pers. comm., 2010) and can be seen from its (1987) following the discovery in 1984 of about photograph (photo 1), the labellum of the 1983 15 examples in the locality ‘Funtana Maore’, Pitstone Hill plant has no visible marking. As Laconi (Nuoro Province), Sardinia. Although mentioned by Bailey (2011), a “third” the colour of the labellum is described as dark abnormal plant was found for the first time at red (hence the etymology of “fulvofusca” which Weymouth in 2010. Again, as can be seen means ‘dark red’), it is apparent from the two from its photographs (photos 2 & 3), the photographs in the article illustrating the variety labellum of this plant also has no visible that it is in fact reddish-brown. It was clearly marking (although the labellum of one of its necessary to describe the colour of var. fulvo- flowers was slightly damaged). Accordingly, fusca to distinguish it from var. bicolor, which as confirmed by C.A.J. (Karel) Kreutz, the also has no marking on the labellum. Together author of a number of books on European with several other O. apifera variants, var. orchids who has seen the variety at its locus fulvofusca was reduced to the rank of “forma” classicus in Sardinia as well as in France and by Delforge (2007), who re-named it O. apifera Germany, both of these plants are clearly f. fulvofusca, but so far this synonym does not Ophrys apifera var. fulvofusca. This variety appear to have been adopted by other authors. can therefore be added to the list of Britain’s Following its description from Sardinia, var. flora. fulvofusca has also been recorded in France and Acknowledgements: Germany (C.A.J. Kreutz, pers. comm., 2011) as We are grateful to Karel Kreutz for well as in Greece (greekorchids website). background information on Ophrys apifera However, although Bailey (2011) did mention var. fulvofusca and for confirming the identity the name (albeit incorrectly as “var. of the Pitstone Hill and “third” Weymouth fulvafusca”), no express British record of this plants as that variety. We are also grateful to variety has been found in the literature. Peter Revell for permission to publish his As is apparent from both the text and two photograph of the Pitstone Hill plant. photographs in Scrugli & Grasso (1987), as References: well as from the photographs on Günter BAILEY, N. (2011). ‘The variant Ophrys Blaich’s website, the labellum of var. fulvo- apifera var. atrofuscus found in Dorset’. fusca is entirely devoid of any marking. BSBI News 116: 35. Despite the statement that the Warnham plants DELFORGE, P. (2007). ‘Nouvelles contribu- “lacked any of the normal pattern of tions taxonomiques et nomenclaturales aux markings”, it is apparent from the photograph Orchidées d’ Europe’. Natural. Belges 88 in Lang (2001, 2004) that the “horse-shoe” (Orchid. 20): 256. marking is still partly visible. This is also the FOLEY, M. & CLARKE, S. (2005). Orchids of case with Bailey’s 2009 photograph of the the British Isles. Griffin Press, Cheltenham. Weymouth “atrofuscus” in BSBI News 116 LANG, D.C. (2001). ‘A new variant of Ophrys (2011) and, as observed by the present authors, apifera in Britain’. BSBI News 88: 38-40. was again the case when the same plant re- LANG, D.C. (2004). Britain’s orchids. appeared in 2010. As also observed by the WildGuides, Maidenhead. present authors, this was also the case with the SCRUGLI, A. & GRASSO, M.P. (1987). ‘Eine “second” Weymouth plant mentioned by neue Varietät von Ophrys apifera: Ophrys Bailey (2011). Thus, although these plants apifera Huds. var. fulvofusca Grasso et almost qualify as var. fulvofusca, they are not Scrugli’. Die Orchidee 38: 47-49. that variety sensu stricto. Websites: http://www.greekorchids.gr/orchids_list.htm http://www.guenther-blaich.de/artseite.php?par=Ophrys+apifera+var.+fulvofusca&abs=artlst Notes – Northern Deergrass (Trichophorum cespitosum): calciphile or calcifuge? 37

Northern Deergrass (Trichophorum cespitosum): calciphile or calcifuge? JEREMY ROBERTS, Eden Croft, 2 Wetheral Pasture, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA4 8HU; ([email protected]) In a recent BSBI News (Roberts, 2009), I cottongrasses Eriophorum angustifolium described the finding of Trichophorum cespi- (Common Cottongrass) and E. vaginatum tosum (Northern Deergrass) growing in M10 (Hare’s-tail Cottongrass). vegetation with a suite of arctic-alpine relict As a resident of Cumbria, I had already species in calcareous seepages on Widdybank looked hard for T. cespitosum in several Pasture, upper Teesdale (NY8329, etc., likely-looking calcareous sites in the county v.c.66). (Note I am referring to the Northern (v.c.69/70), but without success. But if it Deergrass here and not the common species, could occur in calcifuge communities – with now T. germanicum.). which Cumbria is well-supplied – that would During 2010 Dr Margaret Bradshaw has clearly open up a much wider range of possi- both infilled and extended its known range in bilities for adding it to the Cumbrian list. Teesdale, significantly finding plants by Red On 11th August 2010 I met with David Sike on Widdybank Fell itself (NY8129), at a Clarke at Butterburn Flow, a very large SSSI higher altitude (500m a.s.l.) and two kilome- and SAC on the Cumbrian side of the River tres further west. Irthing north of Gilsland. Having parked My note in 2009 suggested that the plant where the road loops around the western end looked very much ‘at home’ in this calcareous of the Flow, it was astonishing to find association – and indeed this is true both here T. cespitosum within a few minutes, in and at sites in Scotland: in July 2010 Stephen abundance, and only about 150 metres out into Hewitt and I saw a good population of it in the mire (NY65927603, etc.; 290 m a.s.l.). A similar M10 vegetation at Glen Fender looping walk of three kilometres far out onto Meadows above Blair Atholl (v.c.89; the western ‘dome’ of deep peat revealed the NN9067; 330m a.s.l.). plant along most of the walk, especially by In 2010 I also saw the species in Northum- small runnels and around small pools, on the berland (v.c.67) in two of Prof G.A. Swan’s least-disturbed parts of the mire surface (see original sites (Swan, 1999): photos inside back cover, and a map of the Ÿ Blackheugh End (NY825915, etc.; 330m route and the plants, on my website, URL a.s.l.): in seepage area on a col within below.). blanket peat moorland, it is abundant in a Based upon the frequency of occurrence, the remarkable collection of calciphiles, length of the walk, and the area of similar including Eriophorum latifolium (Broad- habitat, it was possible to estimate the leaved Cottongrass). Northern Deergrass population on the site Ÿ Muckle Moss (NY796670, etc.; 220m very roughly as a minimum of 80,000 plants! a.s.l.): as described by Swan, some plants This suggests that the newly-unearthed grow by inflow seepages at the margins of locality of Butterburn Flow has by far the a valley mire, but with a much reduced list largest population yet discovered for the of associates. species in the U.K. There are also perhaps ten At the latter site it was a surprise when my times that number of hybrid plants, which wife Margaret located a cluster of plants of the become the dominant vegetation over parts of species, amongst more of the hybrid the mire. T. ×foersteri, well out on the ‘quaking bog’ in Although the fruiting heads of T. cespitosum a purely calcifuge community of only four were far from conspicuous, the presence of species: Calluna vulgaris (Heather), Erica tiny clusters of a few shiny blackish nuts tetralix (Cross-leaved Heath), and the two (typically only 1-4 per head) made the species 38 Notes – Northern Deergrass (Trichophorum cespitosum): calciphile or calcifuge? easy to tell from the hybrid, with its sterile and applied. The hybrid does tend to fill the hence (at this date) ‘bare-topped’ heads. morphological space between the two species, Samples were kindly confirmed as this species but that is always sterile and ‘fruit-less’ by by BSBI referee Michael Braithwaite. high summer. Only two plants of T. germanicum were A ‘work in progress’ is my website at: located on the whole walk, detectable in the www.edencroft2.demon.co.uk, which has field by the longer and thicker stems, larger much information on these Northern heads of paler matt nuts, and strongly oblique Deergrass habitats (including a full table of sheath-openings, the identity being confirmed associates), and discussion of separation of the back at base by stem cross-section. two species and the hybrid, in the field and by Although the plants were particularly associ- stem cross-section. There is also a link on the ated with seepage areas, as far as could be site to an album of photos of the plant at all determined the source of the water seemed these sites, which should give a good impres- ombrogenous (i.e. sourced from rain, without sion of ‘what to look for’. Please visit the influence of ground-water, and hence with website – and please also comment! greatly reduced mineral-content). It is hoped Having recently joined Michael Braithwaite in 2011 to test how fully this supposition as a referee for this genus, I would also love to applies by sampling the water at the roots. see specimens, especially from new areas (see Associates were acidophiles such as Calluna the ‘minimal’ maps in the Sedges BSBI vulgaris, Narthecium ossifragum (Bog handbook, or on the National Biodiversity Asphodel), Andromeda polifolia (Bog Network Gateway under its previous name of Rosemary), Carex magellanica (Bog Sedge), Trichophorum cespitosum ssp. cespitosum.) Eriophorum vaginatum, Drosera rotundifolia Particularly valuable would be descriptions of (Common Sundew), Empetrum nigrum habitat and associates. (Crowberry), Erica tetralix and Vaccinium Acknowledgements: oxycoccos (Cranberry). This collection of I am pleased to acknowledge again the support associates is so strikingly different from the and encouragement of BSBI deergrass referee lists made in Teesdale (see Roberts, 2009, p. Michael Braithwaite, and am grateful for his 25, or my website, URL below) that I thought comments on an earlier draft. I have also this situation needed wider circulation – not greatly appreciated the company and contribu- least in part to assuage my twinges of guilt that tions in the field of those mentioned above. my previous note might very well have left readers with the impression that calcareous References: flushes were the only places to seek the plant! ROBERTS, F.J. (2009). ‘The Northern Deer- Please keep the Northern Deergrass in mind grass (Trichophorum cespitosum) in upper in 2011 when you are looking at mires – Teesdale.’ BSBI News 111: 22-6. especially in the period when fruits ripen in SWAN, G.A. (1999). ‘Identification, distribu- July/August, when the species becomes so tion and a new nothosubspecies of Tricho- much easier to spot, and easier to tell at a phorum cespitosum (L.) Hartman glance from the hybrid. Once the characters (Cyperaceae) in the British Isles and NW are known, this is a distinctive little plant, with Europe’. Watsonia 22: 209-233. its slender and flexuous stems. Several URL: www.edencroft2.demon.co.uk observers agree that the term ‘wispy’ might be Notes – High-level botanising in Scotland 39

High-level botanising in Scotland DAVID PEARMAN, Algiers, Feock, Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6RA JIM MCINTOSH, c/o Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR Members might recall that we have been session. In a couple of hours we bettered the collecting altitudinal data for some years – maxima for five species: Deschampsia something that was popular in Victorian times, flexuosa (Wavy Hair-grass), Scorzoneroides but had fallen into abeyance during much of (formerly Leontodon) autumnalis (Autumn the twentieth century. But altitudinal data has Hawkbit), Luzula arcuata (Curved Wood- a new relevance as it potentially provides a rush), Nardus stricta (Mat-grass) and Silene baseline for monitoring the effects of climate acaulis (Moss Campion); and equalled change, and many of the recent records for (confirmed) earlier records for five more: Scotland are arriving with this information. Carex bigelowii (Stiff Sedge), Gnaphalium Nowadays with GPS it is a lot easier to collect supinum (Dwarf Cudweed), Huperzia selago data and much more accurate too – many of (Fir Clubmoss), Juncus trifidus (Three-leaved the Victorian records are in chains or yards! Rush) and Luzula spicata (Spiked Wood-rush). For some time there has been a rump of Some of the new records are surprising to relatively common plants that had their histor- say the least. A stunted bush of Erica cinerea ical maxima in the Cairngorms, or even the (Bell Heather) at 1210m was the highlight ‘Scottish Highlands’, dating back to the 19th (previous highest: 790m in Co Kerry), but century, with maxima that look suspiciously others included Juniperus communis (Juniper) like approximations, and these had not been at 1200m (previous highest: 975m on Braer- verified or bettered despite much recent iach), Molinia caerulea (Purple Moor-grass) activity. A Recording Week at Mar Lodge at 1000m (previous highest: 870m in Glen seemed a good opportunity to reach Ben Doll) and Eriophorum angustifolium Macdui (v.c.92), the highest summit in the (Common Cottongrass) at 1230m (previous Cairngorms, at 1305m (4296ft) and second highest: 1100m on Ben Alder). Another party highest in the British Isles, to try to record tackled Beinn a’Bhuird to the east, and they every plant on the very bare summit plateau found three new maxima, including a good and then any new plant that we encountered on record for Trollius europaeus (Globe-flower). the way down. Despite the concerns of the Many members will know that the Cairn- elder of us, the path up was tedious rather than gorms contain a number of peaks of much the insuperable, but unfortunately mist came same height, all quite close together, and we down at about 700m. Nonetheless our party of are sure that similar trips and even better four reached the summit (alongside many weather must yield significant records. Please other hiking groups, with children as young as look at the website: ten!) (see photo back cover), and, despite the http://www.bsbi.org.uk/altitudes.html mist and the temperature in early July close to for the complete schedule or contact us. zero, we had an astonishingly successful 40 Notes – Salicornia ‘sorts’ 1: type specimens, voucher specimens, and photographs

Salicornia ‘sorts’ 1: type specimens, voucher specimens, and photographs DAVID J. HAMBLER, 14 Yew Tree Avenue, Bradford, BD8 0AD Visible and invisible characteristics of appearance of any of the plants whose Salicornia chromosomes have been counted. A voucher Salicornia was described as a taxonomic photograph for one of my counts (S. dolichos- nightmare by Kadereit et al. (2007). Confu- tachya (Long-spiked Glasswort): 4x = 2n = sion has resulted from misleading specific 36) is shown in Fig. 1 (p. 42), whilst Fig. 2 names and inaccurate illustrations, and type shows two ‘sorts’ belonging to the specimens are generally unavailable. S. europaea agg. representing my 2x = 2n = 18 However, I hope to show how permanent and counts for ‘S. ramosissima’). Any reference recorded links between cryptic characteristics to chromosome number unsupported by a and the visually recognizable whole organism direct link of the cytological evidence to a might be made, and our powerful ability for representative whole plant must always be visual discrimination could thereby be speculative. usefully exploited. Despite both diploid and tetraploid records Stace (1991) attempted a clear taxonomy by having been presented in the literature for both lumping all British Salicornia, apart from the S. europaea, and S. ramosissima (Purple distinctive S. pusilla (One-flowered Glass- Glasswort), the Stace system does firmly wort), into two aggregates (S. europaea L. and separate diploid (2n = 18) from (tetraploid (2n S. procumbens Sm.) whilst acknowledging = 36) plants. Chromosome number is a that at least 20-30 ‘sorts’ can be distinguished cryptic character, yet plants in the field may be in SE England. Cryptic characteristics such as assigned, according to Dalby (1962), with a chromosome number are appended to the fair degree of precision to the two groups (Fig. seven species descriptions. The two aggre- 2). Further, even dead tide-washed skeletal gates recognized fit neatly into this pattern remains are not always unassignable. The (S. europaea L. agg. with 2n = 18 chromo- flower spikes of diploid plants generally bear somes, and S. procumbens Sm. agg. with 2n = few (<10), somewhat bulging flowering 36). My own observations of plants on the segments, whilst those of tetraploids generally River Medway estuary were made in the have many more less-bulging segments. 1950s and are totally in agreement with these The distinctiveness of at least some haploids aggregates. and diploids has been further confirmed by Unfortunately, members of the first aggre- phylogenetic analysis based on ITS DNA gate are at odds with early line illustrations of sequences (Papini et al., 2004). Even within ‘europaea L.’, and some members of the the S. europaea L. aggregate of diploids, second are erect. The confused literature and chemical (isozyme) patterns differ between the inconsistent and inaccurate illustrations of populations at different levels on a single salt- the time caused my (Hambler, 1954) marsh (Jefferies & Gottlieb, 2000). ‘S. europaea’ chromosome counts (2n = 36) to Salicornia specimens: the value of photo- be later, and probably correctly, regarded by graphs Ball & Tutin (1959) as representing a All of these cryptic features are inaccessible to composite of their newly described ‘fragilis’, the field botanist and ecologist, and none may ‘obscura’ and ‘nitens’. This illustrates the be causally related, at present, to either the difficulty of linking cryptic characteristics of macroscopic, morphological attributes of the any sort to specific names or to line illustra- plants or to putatively adaptive characteristics. tions published elsewhere. There appear to be In order to appreciate such micro- and molec- no published records of the unmediated ular-level work non specialist readers need to Notes – Salicornia ‘sorts’ 1: type specimens, voucher specimens, and photographs 41 know what the plants referred to looked like. may also be preserved by pressing. Such Such a visual aid to comprehension is not photographs and herbarium specimens could always (? never) provided in publications. (or should?) be kept as ‘vouchers’ for much of Francis Rose suggested in BSBI News that the work published on the genus, with the good photographs form perhaps the only satis- former accompanying any texts involving factory method of permanent record. Photo- specific identity. A text on ecological sorting graphs Figs. 1a & 2 are monochrome images based on my 1950s observations on the River made some 60 years ago by means of a 2¼ × Medway glassworts and some recent experi- 3¼ inch plate camera. Together they illustrate mental observations of material from the that pressed specimens and photographs are vicinity of Southampton will be presented in a both useful to record the main morphological future note. features of a plant: features that allow subjec- References: tive recognition, but are difficult to put into BALL, P.W. & TUTIN, T.G. (1959). ‘Notes on words. Shadowless images are desirable. The annual species of Salicornia in Britain’. monochrome prints presented here were taken Watsonia 4: 193-205. outdoors of specimens resting on a glass sheet DALBY, D.H. (1962). ‘Chromosome number, suspended over a grey background. Photo- morphology and breeding behaviour in the graphic recording, in colour, is now easy and British Salicorniae’ Watsonia 5(3): 150-162. may be recommended. In a further note I hope JEFFERIES, R.L. & GOTTLIEB, L.D. (2000). to demonstrate the usefulness of this method. ‘Genetic differentiation of the microspecies Whilst photographs of isolated plants, even of Salicornia europaea L. (sensu stricto) and of pressed specimens, may be informative, S. ramosissima J. Woods’. New Phytologist photographs of plants growing in the field 92(1): 123-129. could also help readers visualize the sorts of HAMBLER, D. J. (1954) ‘Chromosome Salicornia being reduced to their chemical or numbers in British Salicornia’. Nature 173: cytological components in the recent scientific 547. literature. KADEREIT, G., BALL, P., BEER, P., LADISLAV, Salicornia specimens: in defence of pressing. M., DMITRY, S., TEEGE, P., YAPRAK, A.E, & Rose (1989) also asserted the impossibility of FREITAG, H. (2007). ‘A taxonomic night- producing satisfactory specimens for the mare comes true: phylogeny and biogeogra- herbarium. But I found, in the 1950s, that phy of glassworts (Salicornia L., herbarium specimens could be made which Chenopodiaceae)’. Taxon 56(4): 1143-1170. faithfully recorded the appearance of living PAPINI, A.,TRIPPANERA, G.B., MAGGINI, F., specimens. Specimens were prepared by FILIGHEDDU, R. & BIONDI, E. (2004). ‘New blanching in boiling water, followed by insights in Salicornia L. and allied genera repeated washing in tap water, then rapid (Chenopodiaceae) inferred from nrDNA drying with increasing pressure and very sequence data’. Plant Biosystems 138(3): frequent changes of warm blotting paper. The 215-223. apparatus used was extremely simple involv- ROSE, F. (1989). ‘Key to annual Salicornia ing a modified trouser press, and heat from species of South England and North France sunshine (when available), and a domestic gas (modified from a key by Prof Géhu)’. BSBI cooker. Photographs of pressed S. dolichos- News 53: 12-16. tachya specimens and of one live counterpart STACE, C.A. (1991) New flora of the British (Fig. 1) demonstrate that habit and shape may Isles. CUP, Cambridge. be so recorded, whilst a close-up photograph shows that details of the flowering segments 42 Notes – Salicornia ‘sorts’ 1: type specimens, voucher specimens, and photographs

Inset below – apex of (c) enlarged; flowers (arrowed) clearly preserved.

(c) (b)

(a)

Fig. 1. Salicornia dolichostachya Moss (Long-spiked Glasswort). (a) a living specimen; (b) the same specimen pressed; (c) another of the same ‘sort’: both plants from mud flats by the River Medway. Both exhibit the frequently observed quadruple branching, in a single plane, at the node below the apical spike of any luxuriant Salicornia with long flowering spikes.

Fig. 2. Two distinctive living specimens of diploid Salicornia photographed in 1951. The Purple Glasswort (c.f. S. ramosissima Woods) on the left bore red flowers and became suffused with red coloration: the Common Glasswort (c.f. S. europaea L.) on the right remained green. Specimens from Whitewall Creek (TQ7969) and Twinney (TQ8568) photographed on 23.08.1951 and 11.09.1951 respectively. All photos © D.J. Hambler Botanical Crossword 15 43

Botanical Crossword 15 By Cruciada

ACROSS 2. Provoke outgrowth (4) 7. One not splitting plum, possibly, with 3. Spirited horse bears a cross (6) hesitation (6) 4. Reportedly ’ave to wish ’e consumed 8. Plum trees - trim us, they say (6) poppy seed (6) 9. Begin, but don’t end, to substantiate 18 (4) 5. Original guff (like some herbal remedies?) 10. As trees and keys may be (8) heaped up yet hollow (8) 11. Flowering plants damaged passing Rome 6. Flowers first employed to be joined at (11) base, perhaps (5) 14. Flog a drink, it’s said, to girl in club by 12. Mesembryanthemum in the freezer? (8) Stirling (11) 13. Flowers arranged for last seven in chapel 18. Radiant girl takes note (8) of rest (7) 19. Some hear apology from Pteropsida 15. An accountant encounters intelligence character (4) bureau under a tree (6) 20. I tag on almost behind lady’s finger (6) 16. Root emetic prepared at ice cap (6) 21. Brief reference to bear’s breeches (6) 17. Computers, central heating, something DOWN unknown or nettles may make you this (5) 1. Surround a bud, for example, and offer 19. From beginning to end, more than one inferior care? (7) vehicle leaves mark on tree (4) 44 Aliens – The problem of invasive alien plant species

ALIENS The problem of invasive alien plant species ANTONY JARVIS, The Gamehouse, Doddington Hall, Lincoln, LN6 4RU; ([email protected]) Trips made to the west coast of the Republic roadside verges, whole paddocks up to 0.5ha of Ireland in the last two years have brought or more and open hillsides. On the Sheefry home to the writer that there is a large and Hills in Mayo it can be seen at 350m altitude inescapable problem with several species of on freely draining slopes from which a conifer alien plants there. The most widespread and crop was removed a few years ago. In the well established of these is, of course, Rhodo- eastern parts of Achill Island the species is dendron ponticum (Rhododendron), and it is a entirely out of control, creating thickets 3m well-known problem on both sides of the Irish high of jagged leaves on spiny petioles, with a Sea, although not one that is being tackled in ground layer of massive rhizomes. No other a concerted and effective way. In some parts green plants can compete, and there are no of the west of Ireland it has increased to the signs of attack by vertebrates or invertebrates. point where it is difficult to imagine a An outbreak of Gunnera tinctoria on the campaign of eradication that would succeed. local offshore Clare Island was recently dealt That Rhododendron ponticum is therefore with. On the mainland and on inshore islands probably here to stay is a sobering thought. It like Achill Island nothing is being done will not stand still in its invasion, and there are beyond keeping road verges clear. Local plenty of sites where 100% takeover has opinion believes that seed distribution is by already been achieved. In Ireland the grazing water, but that does not accord with the of marginal land provides some restraint. widespread and often remote uphill distribu- Stock do not seem to suffer ill effects from tion that is going on. Much more likely is that what is a poisonous plant. But a minor change autumnal migrants of the thrush family in E.U. agricultural support policy could distribute the seeds whilst feeding on the very easily make marginal land grazing uneco- numerous orange berries. The accompanying nomic, and we would see a sudden and disas- photograph (see colour section plate 3) gives a trous increase in the rate of spread as grazing particularly vivid impression of the vigour of was abandoned. this plant. Where Rhododendron ponticum In some ways even more worrying than and Gunnera tinctoria are both present, it is Rhododendron ponticum is the huge, slightly clear that the latter is moving much faster, tender herbaceous plant Gunnera tinctoria taking over where, to date, Rhododendron (Giant-rhubarb) from S. America. This is ponticum only grew in field margins and naturalised in several of the western coastal corners. In drier areas, however, Gunnera regions of the British Isles. In the Irish tinctoria will lose this dominance. counties of Sligo and Mayo, and particularly The third alien species of this note is the around Achill Island, the species has made common hardy herbaceous garden perennial something of a quantum leap. Introduced as a Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian). This was spectacular waterside garden plant, it has seen naturalised over perhaps 1ha or more of broken out of that setting and no longer relies the Carboniferous limestone north escarpment on open water or boggy ground to thrive. of the Burren, west of the village of Cregg and Maybe the very high rainfall of this region overlooking Ballyvaughan Bay. In June the creates wet enough conditions in any location, whole affected area was tinged pink at a and the species now appears to be spreading distance by the plant’s flowers. There was no randomly, taking over hedges, ditches, the visible boundary that might check the spread Aliens – The problem of invasive alien plant species / Taraxacum subericinum new to the British Isles 45 of this species, and, knowing how it will grow ingly common problem. There are many more in any garden wall, makes it very hard to invasive species that are equally out of imagine how it might be eradicated. Centran- control, and if the problem they pose is thus ruber has very light windblown seeds, ignored, it will not go away, neither will the and any part of the Burren can easily be alien species stop their spread. What is needed reached by these from its present site, on a is first the commitment to take the problem in gale from the N-E, N or N-W. hand. Then research on the extent of the Many alien species in the British Isles have problem and the means to resolve it for each settled to become balanced elements in the problem species. Finally the money to put a wild flora. The three described in this note, plan into action. Standing by while habitat is however, show no signs of ever reaching destroyed by alien plants seems no more equilibrium within their chosen environments. acceptable than allowing the same habitat to They serve as good examples of an increas- be destroyed by industrial development.

Taraxacum subericinum Hagendijk, Soest & Zevenb. (sect. Hamata) new to the British Isles T.C.G. RICH, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, CF10 3NP A.J. RICHARDS, High Trees, South Park, Hexham, NE46 1BT In 2007, TCGR decided he had better take up Winswell, bank above farm, SS493131, 29th Taraxacum again to keep himself occupied March 2010, T.C.G., H.M. & J.C. Rich during spring holidays. Amongst the first nine (T525, V.2010.1.447). specimens collected near Torrington, v.c.4 Its habitat is Taraxacum-rich (especially sects. North Devon, was one puzzling plant initially Hamata and Celtica), south-facing sides of regarded by AJR as a highly distinctive hedgebanks along minor lanes in open vegeta- member of section Celtica related to T. porteri tion on mildly acidic to neutral soils (see C.C. Haw. Further targeted collections from colour section plate 1, photo 1) and, like many North Devon in 2009 and 2010 enabled this sect. Hamata, is relatively early-flowering. It plant to be determined as T. subericinum may be scattered over a relatively wide area of Hagendijk, Soest & Zevenb. of section North Devon and was not hard to find once the Hamata, new to the British Isles. The details habitat had been learned. of the records are as follows (with NMW Taraxacum subericinum is distinctive in vouchers): having hairy leaves with strong red petioles, Berry Cross, hedgebank, SS484162, 7th April recurved lobes with many strong narrow teeth, 2007, T.C.G. Rich (V.2007.1.254). long narrow apical lobes, spreading bordered Berry Cross, hedgebank at turning to Thorne, bracts and discoloured stigmas (photos 2-4). It SS474.147, 13th April 2009, T.C.G. Rich is similar to T. marklundii Palmgren (which is (T303, V.2009.1.155). frequent in the same area) but is larger, more Homer, lane-side hedgebank near, SS510163, brightly coloured, has longer bordered bracts and 13th April 2009, T.C.G. Rich (T310 and 311, yellow stigmas. It is also similar to T. porteri V.2009.1.153 and 154). (sect. Celtica, rare in North Devon) differing in Langtree, bank by church, SS451156, 28th having more abruptly-ended leaf lobes with March 2010, T.C.G. Rich (T522, larger teeth and smaller spreading bracts. V.2010.1.446). A full description of T. subericinum is as Undercleave, south-facing hedgebank, follows: SS512165, 13th April 2009, T.C.G. Rich A medium-sized plant with spreading leaves (T314, V.2009.1.156). 10-25 (-30) cm. Leaves mid green, without spots or interlobe blotches, midrib hairy, deep pink to red or purple to apex, usually with red 46 Aliens – Taraxacum subericinum new to the British Isles / Co. Dublin comfrey renamed after 32 years – a new county record / Requests – Juncus compressus – BSBI Threatened Plants Project veining to leaf; lateral lobes 4-6(-7), regular, green on upper surface, olive green and not patent to weakly hamate, triangular to deltoid pruinose on lower surface. Capitulum deep with acute to acuminate apex, distal margin yellow, 45-48mm in diameter, ligules reddish- with few to many small filiform teeth and brown or brown striped outside, styles larger triangular teeth; interlobes entire or with exserted, discoloured; pollen present. a few filiform teeth or sometimes a larger Achenes straw-coloured; body 3.5-4.0 mm, tooth; terminal lobe acute to distinctly cone 0.5-1.0 mm. elongate; petiole narrowly to broadly winged, Although described from the Netherlands pinkish-white to reddish; petiole and midrib and rare in Belgium and Denmark, predominantly red or reddish purple with T. subericinum is most common in Poland and sparse interwoven green stripes. Scapes the Czech Republic. It is probably native in usually equalling leaves. Exterior bracts Eastern Europe. Its occurrence in ‘good’ spreading to recurved (to reflexed), sometimes habitat in Devon does not make it an immedi- twisted, 12-15 × 3-4 mm, with distinct whitish ately apparent introduction. border, usually ciliate towards apex, pale A Co. Dublin comfrey renamed after 32 years – a new county record PAUL GREEN, Yoletown, Ballycullane, Co. Wexford; ([email protected])

I was asked to take a look at the photos for a brambles it had gone. Certainly something book Zoë Devlin is putting together on her that would not happen to Common Comfrey, own records of Irish wild flowers. All photos seeing how tough a plant it is to eradicate. On seemed grand, but one jumped out at me as the the 21st February 2011 Zoë took me to the site wrong identification. This was ‘Symphytum at Sorrento Park, Dalkey, Co. Dublin officinale (Common Comfrey)’ (see photos (v.c.H21). We thought we were out of luck inside back cover); the flowers were just too until we noticed one plant on the other side of white. They were a pure white instead of the the path and several metres away from the dirty/cream white of Common Comfrey. Zoë original site. Sure enough it was Soft sent me several more photos and I told her I Comfrey. After knowing the species at the site was 99.9% sure it was S. orientale (Soft for 32 years Zoë has a new county record for Comfrey). Then the clue that I needed came. Dublin. Zoë said when the council cleared the

REQUESTS

Juncus compressus – BSBI Threatened Plants Project M. WILCOX, 32 Shawbridge St., Clitheroe, BB7 1LZ; ([email protected]) Juncus compressus (Round-fruited Rush) has be coastal. It would also be useful to include been included in the list of species for the a voucher of any plants thought to be J. gerar- BSBI Threatened Plants Project (TPP) for dii (Saltmarsh Rush) from inland sites only. 2011/2012. This note is to encourage any Please visit the BSBI website (www.bsbi. survey of sites. A voucher (1-2 stems) would org.uk/) for information on the TPP in general be beneficial for all sites, even if not surveyed and species you may wish to survey. using the TPP forms, and specifically a Vouchers and forms (for the Juncus) can be voucher must be provided if it is considered to sent to the above address. Requests – Cyperaceae Handbook amendments offered and taxa wanted / Giant hogweed seeds 47 wanted / BSBI News 104 & 111 wanted

Cyperaceae Handbook amendments offered and taxa wanted M. WILCOX, 32 Shawbridge St., Clitheroe, BB7 1LZ; ([email protected])

In several previous issues of BSBI News I have in their garden and can spare some live asked for material of sedges (without much material all the better. I would also like to try success). I have a keen interest in ‘sedges’. and get a leaf or two – of course I would like Two species which are of interest, especially some of the living plant – of C. diandra × relating to their vegetative characters, are C. paniculata; the reason being that one of Carex acutiformis and C. riparia. I find that these spp. has a character that no other British there are some sheath characters that seem to sedge has and it may occur in the hybrid to work well rather than the aerenchyma help confirm its identity. It is said to occur in mentioned in the ‘Sedge’ handbook. I would SE Yorkshire (v.c.61), Loch Lochton (v.c.75), welcome any vegetative material with some two sites in Main Argyll (v.c.98) and in mid sheaths intact, especially from any areas Cork (H4). If anyone can supply even one leaf where there are known colonies that do not I would be very grateful not to mention seem to produce fruiting spikes and the excited! identity has been assigned to one or the other Lastly, I noted that there appear to be several on presently known characters. (minor) errors/typos etc. in the latest edition of I am also especially keen to see and if the BSBI handbook for Cyperaceae. If anyone possible have living material of any hybrid would like a copy of the ones I have noted Cyperaceae. I believe it is important that some (there may be a few others) please contact me of these (or all) should be in cultivation in at the above address. Only email copies are some way, in part so they can be studied available. I am always interested and happy to further. I would also welcome seeds of any of hear from anyone (and to help if I can) even if the rarer sedges and if anyone has any growing it is not on sedges!

A request for giant hogweed seeds JAMES ARMITAGE, RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB The Royal Horticultural Society is undertak- July 2011 and would be especially useful if ing a research project to investigate the accompanied by details of provenance and/or number and identity of species of giant photographs of the parent plant. Observations Heracleum presently at large in the U.K. It concerning variation in naturalised popula- would be of great assistance if BSBI members tions of giant hogweed are also welcome. in possession of seeds of giant hogweeds Samples should be sent to me at the address could spare a sample for morphometric analy- above. sis. Samples need to be received by the end of BSBI News 104 & 111 wanted GWYNN ELLIS, 41 Marlborough Road, Roath, Cardiff, CF23 5BU I normally try to keep in stock a few copies of issues which ran out of stock. With the new every issue of BSBI News in case I get a size and more colour, issues 101 onwards are request from a new member trying to build up difficult to photocopy successfully. I am now a collection or an existing member who has out of issue 111 and have very few of 104. If mislaid a copy. In the past, when News was any member has either of these that they don’t A5 in size and mainly black & white, it was a mind getting rid of I would be very pleased to relatively simple matter to photocopy any have them. Post will be refunded if requested. 48 Offers – Long Watsonia run available / Wiltshire Botany articles free / Flora of Hertfordshire update available

OFFERS

Long Watsonia run available ALAN OUTEN, 14 Fairfax Close, Clifton, Shefford, Beds., SG17 5RH; ([email protected]) I have a continuous run of Watsonia from 1979 anyone is interested, please contact me to (vol. 12, part 4) to the present for disposal. If arrange collection, etc. Wiltshire Botany articles free JOHN PRESLAND, 175c Ashley Lane, Winsley, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2HR Issue 12 of Wiltshire Botanical Society’s 2009 records and help with identifying vice- journal Wiltshire Botany has now been county boundaries. published. It focuses on biodiversity. It Contributions to the journal are welcome on begins with examples of auditing the any aspect of Wiltshire botany. Articles resources we have, with Richard Aisbitt’s should be submitted to John Presland, 175c article on Calstone and Cherhill Downs and Ashley Lane, Winsley, Bradford-on-Avon, the contribution by Pat Woodruffe, Ann BA15 2HR, who will also be pleased to Appleyard and Sue Fitzpatrick on Wylye and discuss proposed articles informally (Tel.: Church Downs, which describe surveys into 01225 865125). A leaflet is also available the condition and constitution of two areas of offering guidance to authors on the most chalk grassland, Sites of Special Scientific helpful forms in which to submit articles. Interest (SSSIs). Neil Punchard deals with an Copies of No. 12 and some earlier issues are aquatic environment - the Hampshire Avon available from Rosemary Duckett, 50A The winterbournes in Wiltshire. George Else’s Butts, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 3EX (Tel.: look at a single species – Onobrychis viciifolia 01373 858296; [email protected]). (Sainfoin) – is summarised in a “Wiltshire The cost is £5.00 post free. Cheques should be Botany Elsewhere” section. Jack Oliver takes made out to ‘Wiltshire Botanical Society’. a different line, cataloguing the great variety However, all articles from all issues can now of trees, both native and introduced, in a be downloaded free from Windows Live variety of woodlands round Marlborough, Skydrive. There is a list of all the articles on illustrating the point that biodiversity isn’t just the site and an index to locate articles on about natives - we need to think globally, particular subjects. To find out how to do it, particularly with climate change threatening. log on to the Society’s website: John Presland looks at what can be done www.communigate.co.uk/wilts/wiltshirebota locally by considering what a Parish Council nicalsociety, and choose the “Download could do, using the village of Winsley as an Wiltshire Botany” option for full instructions. example. Finally, there is a selection from the Flora of Hertfordshire update available TREVOR J. JAMES, 56 Back Street, Ashwell, Baldock, Herts., SG7 5PE; ([email protected]) For anybody who may be interested in the in getting hold of a copy of ‘The Flora of flora of Hertfordshire, or who has obtained a Hertfordshire – first update with new county copy of my recently published Flora of records and corrections’, The Hertfordshire Hertfordshire (2009), they may be interested Offers – Flora of Hertfordshire update available / Book Notes / Obituary Notes 49

Naturalist – Transactions of the Hertfordshire emailing me at the above address. If anyone Natural History Society, 42 (1): 49-53 (2010). wants a printed copy, I can also supply this, I have made this available as a separate PDF, but would appreciate a large stamped which can be supplied to interested parties by addressed envelope in which to send it. BOOK NOTES JOHN EDMONDSON, Book Reviews Editor, 243 Pensby Road, Heswall, Wirral, CH61 5UA; ([email protected]) The following titles are to be reviewed in rare species are also highlighted, and the forthcoming issues of New Journal of Botany. book is well illustrated with colour photo- Also included are brief notices of books that graphs. are not being given a full review (marked *). A new atlas of the Kent flora. Eric G. Philp. Flora of Cardiganshire. Arthur O. Chater. Kent Field Club, 2010. ISBN 978 0 956192 Published by the author, 2010. ISBN 978 0 62 2. £39.50 h/b. 9565750 0 5. £40.00 h/b. A panel of advisers has now been established *Flowers of the forest: plants and people in for book reviews. Books for review should the New Forest National Park. Clive continue to be sent to me as reviews editor Chatters. WildGuides, 2009. ISBN 978 1 (details are in the Yearbook 2011), so that 903657 19 5. £24.95 p/b. Not just a flora of bibliographic details and cover images can be the New Forest, this guide provides detailed copied, but I hope that this will help the information on the habitats and landscapes process of reviewer selection as well as of the area along with the history of botani- attracting a wider range of titles for review to cal discoveries. Conservation projects on reflect the broader scope of the journal. OBITUARY NOTES MARY BRIGGS, 9 Arun Prospect, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 1AL * An obituary will be published in BSBI with Rev. Gordon Graham of the BSBI Yearbook 2012. Handbook Roses of Great Britain and Ireland Since BSBI News 116, we regret to report that 1993. Tony led many field meetings through news of the deaths of the following members the years and replied to many hundreds of has reached us: postal queries, so was known to many members. Following a stroke and short illness Mrs S. Dr J.G.D. Lamb* known informally as Keith, Thomson* from Hereford. Stephanie had was a leading horticultural botanist in Ireland. been a member since 1957, and since 1976 He was also BSBI Recorder for Co. Offaly from was v.c. Recorder for Herefordshire. In that 1970 to 1996 and was quoted in the Irish Times time she had completed several of the BSBI as “an active recorder for Co. Offaly of the Recording Projects. With her late husband venerable Botanical Society of the British Isles”. Peter, Stephanie joined many BSBI meetings, As we go to press we hear of the sudden loss field meetings and holiday excursions and of Comd. J.M.W. Topp RN*, a member their enthusiasm and good humour will be since 1974, and following his retirement John remembered by many members. had been a member of BSBI Meetings We are also sad to report the death of the Rev. Committee and organised an excursion to A.L. Primavesi*. A member since 1959, Tony Ibiza in 1999. He was also deeply concerned was one of our Rosa referees and joint author with conservation especially of coral caves in the Indian Ocean on Chagos. 50 Obituary Notes – Memories of Ann Conolly

We also report with regret the deaths of the Selby, North Yorks (1991); Prof W.W. following members: Schwabe of Ashford, Kent (1978); Mr R.J. Mr J. Cotton of Thamesmead, London Skerett of Great Barr, Birmingham (1965); (1965); Dr P.A. Ellis of Moreton, Essex Mr C.F. Steeden of Lytham St Annes, Lanca- (1976); Mrs D. Freeman of Taunton, shire (1972) and Mrs J. Stewart of Somerset (1998); Mr R. Galt of Edinburgh Wimborne, Dorset (1985). (1997); Mr T.J. Holzer of Chandlers Ford, We send regrets and sympathies to all the Hants. (1999); Miss M.M. Kingston of families. Walsall, Staffs (1977); Mr K.G. Payne of Memories of Ann Conolly KEN THOMPSON, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN Ann taught me botany when I was a young everything. David Lindley and I were undergraduate at the University of Leicester in allocated a coastal square and spent a very the early 1970s, and I undoubtedly absorbed pleasant day meandering along it, identifying some of my enthusiasm for plants from her. I everything in sight. That evening, over dinner particularly remember traipsing through a back at the hotel, Ann enquired if any of us had wood to look at one of the most easterly sites found anything interesting. We all referred to in Britain for Umbilicus rupestris (Navelwort), our notebooks and mentioned a few things, on the distant wall of a flooded quarry. Seeing none of which provoked any reaction until someone so genuinely thrilled by a plant that David and I got to Viola lactea (Pale Dog- could only be seen through binoculars clearly violet). Ann, on first-name terms with every made a deep impression on me. species known to grow on the Lleyn, knew No trip out with Ann was dull. Her fondness immediately that Viola lactea had never previ- for looking at plants in the verge while driving, ously been recorded in v.c.49, and the effect rather than at the road, made any car journey was like one of those H.M. Bateman cartoons, exciting. But my favourite Ann Conolly you know ‘The man who lit his cigar before memory comes from a student field course on the Royal toast’, and so on. Dinner was the Lleyn peninsula in 1972. Ann always forgotten, and David and I were subjected claimed to be accumulating data for a Flora of separately to a botanical identity-parade, using west Lleyn, but the Flora itself was never the line drawings of violets in Stella Ross- completed. The chief work involved was Craig’s Drawings of British plants, with the ‘square-bashing’, i.e. noting the presence of names covered up. We both passed, correctly the various plants in the tetrads that make up identifying V. lactea as the plant we had seen. the area. For this purpose we students were an The next day, straight after breakfast (I’m sure ideal source of free labour. Of course, Ann it would have been before breakfast if we knew that we couldn’t really be trusted, but on hadn’t insisted), we headed out to where we balance she was prepared to tolerate our had made our discovery and Ann was able to incompetence, imposing her own quality confirm that it really was Viola lactea, and control on our records later. thus a new vice-county record. The lesson, I Pairs of students, equipped with sandwiches, suppose, is that you never know what you will thermos and CTW, were dropped at one corner find if you just make sure to identify every- of a square and told to make our way to the thing you come across. The episode other corner, where we would be collected at confirmed me in Ann’s eyes as a competent the end of the day. Our task was to identify botanist, but of course the trick is knowing on anything with flowers that we didn’t recognise sight that something is unusual and worth as we went along. Since few of us at that stage investigating, which is not a skill I ever devel- recognised anything, this meant identifying oped to any great degree. Recorders and Recording – Panel of Referees and Specialists / Panel of Vice-county Recorders 51

RECORDERS AND RECORDING Panel of Referees and Specialists MARY CLARE SHEAHAN, 61 Westmoreland Road, Barnes, London, SW13 9RZ; ([email protected]) Stephen Jury is retiring from identifying There are two changes of address: plants from Spain and Morocco, and we thank Geoffrey Kitchener’s is now: Cromlix, Otford him warmly for the help he has given Lane, Halstead, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 members over many years. 7EB; ([email protected]) Our referee for Cochlearia, Dr Peter Wyse Hugh Dawson’s is now: c/o Freshwater Jackson, has taken up a position as President Biological Association, River Laboratory, of the Missouri Botanical Garden in the USA Church Lane, East Stoke, Wareham, Dorset, and members are asked to contact MCS before BH20 6BB; ([email protected] ) submitting specimens.

Panel of Vice-county Recorders DAVID PEARMAN, Algiers, Feock, Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6RA; (Tel.: 01872 863388)

New appointments V.cc.7 & 8 (Wiltshire). V.c.14 (W. Sussex). Dr. Mike Shaw, The Sharon Pilkington to 66 Newtown, West- Walnuts, 118 Manor Way, Aldwick Bay, bury, Wiltshire, BA13 3EF Bognor Regis, W. Sussex PO21 4HN. V.cc.15 & 16 (Kent) V.c.56 (Notts.). Mark Woods to become joint Geoffrey Kitchener to Cromlix, Otford recorder (with David Wood, (correspondence Lane, Halstead, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 7EB. to Mr Wood as before)) V.c.H2 (N. Kerry) Changes of address or other details Peter Wyse Jackson has moved to USA, so all correspondence to his brother Michael. V.c.113 (Jersey). Mrs M. L. Long, Ozarda, Les Hamonnets, St John [not St Joan!], V.c.H6 (Co Waterford) & H12 (Co Wexford) Jersey, Channel Islands, JE3 4FP. Paul Green to Yoletown, Ballycullane, New Ross, Co Wexford. I must apologise both to Mrs Long for putting (almost) the right address but the V.c.H20 (Co Wicklow) wrong name, and to Mrs Banks, for Ms C. Brady to 74 Station Court, The including her after she had stepped down. Avenue, Gorey, Co. Wexford. 52 Notes from the Officers – From the Hon. General Secretary / From the Scottish Officer

NOTES FROM THE OFFICERS

From the Hon. General Secretary – LYNNE FARRELL 41 High Street, Hemingford Grey, Cambs., PE28 9BJ (Tel.: 01480 462728; [email protected]) Updates of Committees Database Committee: no changes. There is only one change in the chairmen/ Science & Research Committee: no changes. women and secretaries of the various commit- tees: Training & Education Committee: no changes. John Swindells is standing down as Secretary Records Committee: new members – Paul to the Executive Committee, and is replaced Smith and Quentin Groom. by Jane Squirrell from July 2011. Publications Committee: no changes. There are some retirements and new members of other committees, for which I have the Meetings Committee: retirements – David following information to date: Allen; new members – Jonathan Shanklin, Neil Crossman.

From the Scottish Officer – JIM MCINTOSH c/o Royal Botanic Garden, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR; (Tel: 0131 2482894 or 0791 7152580; [email protected]) The use of sampling in vice-county recording guidance that Quentin Groom, Kevin Walker In the recently published Recording the and I (but mainly Quentin) have been working British and Irish flora 2010-2020 we set out on. The guidance will be published shortly as our plans for the next decade. The main aim Annex 1 to the recording plan once it has been is a comprehensive update of hectads in the reviewed by the Science & Research period 2000-2019, in preparation for a third Committee and ratified by the Records atlas. An ambitious aim, especially at tetrad or Committee. However I can give you a better resolution and with all the other things preview of the most interesting and important we ask recorders to do! (Not to mention points now! recorders’ own interests and projects.) Perhaps the most critical point is that any It is essential that recorders have their own sampling approach must be enjoyable. If not local recording plan to achieve that compre- recorders will simply fall by the wayside and hensive update of hectads in their vice-coun- the task will not be completed. A key decision ties, and still leave time for other things, is what resolution of recording to adopt. It is whether related to botany or not! Only the not necessarily true that if you have a big very smallest vice-counties, or those with county you should opt for a larger grid square great densities of botanists can hope to achieve (e.g. tetrad). Given you only have a finite 100% coverage at monad or tetrad level in ten amount of time for recording you are generally years. Of course it can be done if you allow not going to cover more ground if you choose yourself longer, say 20 or 30 years, but by the tetrads over monads. It is probably still worth time your data is published some of it will be stating, even if obvious, that it is much better out of date. to have a few very thoroughly botanised A much better approach is to select and squares than many that have only been poorly survey a sample of squares. Various sampling covered. approaches are considered in forthcoming Notes from the Officers – From the Scottish Officer / Solution & crib to Crossword 53

Another major decision is how to select returns applies and recording 6 random squares for survey. Should the selection be squares won’t find 100% of the species! random or systematic or a combination of the However it does demonstrate the usefulness of two? A systematic approach was used for the sampling for reducing workloads to manage- Monitoring Scheme (e.g. AJW tetrads). Or able levels. should the selection be entirely subjective – Each Recorder must decide which mix of for example by only choosing the richest strategies is most suitable for them and their squares? Each has its advantages and disad- vice-county, based on geography and circum- vantages. Unbiased surveys are fantastic for stance. One of the key issues is the number, recording common plants and habitats, but availability and expertise of contributing they miss more localised species and can be botanists. A clear local recording plan will less interesting to record. On the other hand, help to encourage and focus effort by targeted surveys are better at locating rarer recorders and contributors. It also provides, species, but are less suitable for analysing rather importantly, a means of measuring change because the results are likely to be progress. biased. Quentin did some work which shows Even if you already have a local recording that, as a rule of thumb, sampling just three plan, I believe that there is much that will be randomly selected tetrads in a hectad will find of interest in this sampling guidance. We 50% of the species present in the hectad. If would welcome feedback – but can’t promise you choose the richest three tetrads the figure to reflect every point!

rises to 70%. Of course the law of diminishing

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cal!) 6. F + USED 12. A freezer could freezer A 12. USED + F 6. cal!) Stella 18. Moss (Stirling) + club Ella”; (to)

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15. ACACIA 16. IPECAC 17. ITCHY 17. IPECAC 16. ACACIA 15. ACANTH 21. BHINDI 20. SORI 19.

12. ICEPLANT 13. FLORETS 13. ICEPLANT 12. STELLATE 18. SELAGINELLA 14.

4. OPIATE 5. BUNCOMBE 6. FUSED 6. BUNCOMBE 5. OPIATE 4. ANGIOSPERMS 11. BRANCHED 10.

1. SUBTEND 2. SPUR 3. ARABIS 3. SPUR 2. SUBTEND 1. STAR 9. PRUNUS 8. LUMPER 7.

DOWN ACROSS Solution to Botanical Crossword 15 Crossword Botanical to Solution 54 Drawings of wildflower seedlings – Hesperis matronalis (Dame’s-violet)

Hesperis matronalis (Dame’s-violet) seedlings del. S. Evans © 2003 See BSBI News 83: 68 (Jan 2002) or 108: 73 (April 2008) for more details about these drawings Stop Press – George Steele / Deadline for BSBI News 118 55

STOP PRESS

BSBI Member George Steele, the First Recipient of the George Band Award for Exceptional Voluntary Contribution George Steele, a BSBI member for 26 years, a leader of mountain walking and alpine who has helped behind the scenes in the intro- flower holidays in the Alps. duction of some of the most important safety His voluntary work extends to other fields measures in modern climbing has been and he is currently President of Bury Photo- honoured with a new national award. graphic Society and gives photographic Now seventy years old, George who lives in lectures and judges photographic competitions Rochdale is the first recipient of the George across the North of England. Band Award for Exceptional Voluntary The Award was presented by George Band Contribution for his 40 years service on the at the British Mountaineering Council Annual British Mountaineering Council’s Technical Dinner on 16 April 2011. Committee. He is a retired senior civil servant George Christopher Band OBE was, at 24 and has been a climber, part-time instructor years old, the youngest climber on the 1953 and photographer over a period exceeding 50 Everest expedition when Edmund Hillary and years and is a member of the Alpine Club, the Tenzing Norgay made the first ascent of the Fell & Rock Climbing Club of the Lake mountain. Two years later, in 1955, he and Joe District and the Yorkshire Mountaineering Brown became the first climbers to ascend Club. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in Geographical Society and for many years was the world.

CONTRIBUTIONS INTENDED FOR BSBI NEWS 118 should reach the Receiving Editor before August 1st

The General Editor Gwynn Ellis can be contacted by answerphone or fax on 02920 496042 email: [email protected] The Receiving Editor Trevor James can be contacted by phone on 01462 742684 or email [email protected] All text and illustrations appearing in BSBI News and its Supplements are copyright and no reproduction in any form may be made without written permission from the General Editor Offers and special terms apply only to members of the Society and copies are not available on an exchange basis. BSBI News (ISSN 0309-930X) is published by the Botanical Society of the British Isles Enquiries concerning the Society’s activities and membership should be addressed to: The Hon. General Secretary, c/o Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD Tel: 0207 942 5002. Camera ready copy produced by Gwynn Ellis and printed by J. & P. Davison, 3 James Place, Treforest, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan CF37 1SQ (Tel. 01443-400585; email: [email protected]) ADMINISTRATION and IMPORTANT ADDRESSES

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